Dual column surgical table having a single-handle unlock for table rotation

ABSTRACT

A surgical patient support includes a foundation frame, a support top, and a brake system. The foundation frame includes a first column and a second column. The support top is coupled to the first column and the second column for rotation about a top axis extending along the length of the support top. A single-handle unlock for the support top is also provided.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/673,183, filed Mar. 30, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 13/789,037, filed Mar. 7, 2013, which claims thebenefit, under 35 U.S.C. §119(e), of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/624,626 filed Apr. 16, 2012, U.S. Provisional Application No.61/647,950 filed on May 16, 2012, and U.S. Provisional Application No.61/703,561 filed on Sep. 20, 2012, each of which is hereby incorporatedby reference herein.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to patient support apparatuses such asare used to support a patient in different positions. More particularly,the present disclosure relates to surgical tables used during surgery tosupport a patient in a predetermined position or number of positions.However, the present disclosure may also be applicable to other types ofpatient support apparatuses such as hospital beds, home care beds, x-raytables, therapy supports, wheel chairs, and the like.

Sometimes, surgical tables allow adjustment of the table prior tosurgery so that patients can be properly supported or held in place fora particular surgical operation. Also, some surgical tables allowadjustment during surgery so that a patient is moved to differentpositions during an operation. Many such surgical tables are difficultto adjust prior to and/or during surgery.

SUMMARY

The present application discloses one or more of the features recited inthe appended claims and/or the following features which, alone or in anycombination, may comprise patentable subject matter:

According to the present disclosure, a patient support apparatus mayinclude a caster, a brake drive, and a linkage. The caster may include astem, a wheel coupled to the stem to rotate about an wheel axis relativeto the stem, and a braking element movable from a disengaged positionallowing rotation of the wheel relative to the stem to an engagedposition blocking the wheel from rotation relative to the stem. Thebrake drive may include a mount and a linear actuator coupled to themount. The linear actuator may move from a retracted position to anextended position relative to the mount. The linkage may be coupled tothe braking element of the caster and to the linear actuator of thebrake drive.

In some embodiments, the linkage may be configured to transfer motion ofthe linear actuator from the retracted position to the extended positionto the braking element to move the braking element from the disengagedposition to the engaged position. The linkage may further be configuredto selectively move the braking element from the engaged position to thedisengaged position while the linear actuator is in the extendedposition so that a user can free the wheel of the caster to rotate evenif the actuator is stuck in the extended position.

In some embodiments, the linkage may include a shaft coupled to themount to slide relative to the mount and a release assembly coupled tothe linear actuator. The release assembly may be configured to couplethe shaft to the linear actuator so that the shaft slides relative tothe mount during movement of the linear actuator from the retractedposition to the extended position and to selectively release the shaftfrom the linear actuator when the linear actuator is in the extendedposition.

In some embodiments, the linkage may include a spring coupled to theshaft and the mount. The spring may be configured to move the shaft whenthe shaft is released from the linear actuator by the release assembly.

In some embodiments, the linkage may include a pivot connector coupledto the shaft for movement about a connector axis. The pivot connectormay be coupled to the braking element of the caster to convert linearmotion from the linear actuator into rotating motion applied to thebraking element.

In some embodiments, the release assembly may include a plate and ahandle coupled to the plate. The plate may be movable from a firstposition in which the plate couples the shaft to the linear actuator formovement therewith to a second position in which the plate releases theshaft from the linear actuator for motion independent of the shaft. Theplate may move from the first position to the second position inresponse to a user moving the handle.

In some embodiments, the plate may be biased toward the first position.In some embodiments, the plate may be coupled to the linear actuator topivot about a plate axis relative to the linear actuator. In someembodiments, the plate may be formed to include a slot that receives apin coupled to the shaft. In some embodiments, the plate may be formedto include a hole through which the shaft extends, the hole having afirst section sized to engage the shaft and a second section sized toallow the shaft to slide through the plate.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a patient supportapparatus may include a pair of casters, a brake drive, and a linkage.The pair of casters may each include a stem, a wheel coupled to the stemto rotate about an wheel axis relative to the stem, and a brakingelement movable from a disengaged position allowing the wheel to rotaterelative to the stem to an engaged position blocking the wheel fromrotation relative to the stem. The brake drive may include a mount andan actuator coupled to the mount. The actuator may move from a firstposition to a second position relative to the mount. The linkage may becoupled to the braking element of each of the casters and to theactuator of the brake drive.

In some embodiments, the linkage may be configured to transfer motion ofthe actuator during motion from the first position to the secondposition to the braking elements. The linkage may further be configuredto selectively move the braking elements from the engaged position tothe disengaged position while the linear actuator is in the secondposition.

In some embodiments, the linkage may include an actuation member coupledto the actuator for movement therewith, a rod assembly coupled to thebraking elements of the casters, and a plate coupled to the actuationmember and to the rod assembly. In some embodiments, the plate may becoupled to the actuation member to pivot relative to the actuationmember about a plate axis. In some embodiments, the rod assembly mayinclude a shaft slidable along a shaft axis, a first pivot connectorcoupled to the shaft and to one of the braking elements included in oneof the casters, and a second pivot connector coupled to the shaft and tothe other of the braking elements included in the other of the casters.

In some embodiments, the rod assembly may further include a pinextending outwardly from the shaft and received in a slot formed in theplate. In some embodiments, the shaft may extend through a hole formedin the plate. In some embodiments, the actuation member may be a slidercoupled to the shaft to slide along the shaft axis relative to theshaft.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a patient supportapparatus may include a foundation frame, a patient support top, and abrake system. The foundation frame may include a first column and asecond column spaced apart from the first column. The patient supporttop may be suspended from the first column and the second column forrotation about a support-top axis extending from the first column to thesecond column. The brake system may include a caster with a brakingelement coupled to the first column, a brake drive coupled to the firstcolumn, and a linkage coupled to the caster and to the brake drive.

In some embodiments, the linkage may be configured to transfer motionfrom the brake drive to the braking element of the caster to brake thecaster. The linkage may also be configured to selectively move thebraking element of the caster to unbrake the caster while the brakedrive remains stationary.

In some embodiments, the brake drive may include a mount coupled to thefirst column and a linear actuator coupled to the mount. The linkage mayinclude an actuation member coupled to the linear actuator for movementtherewith, a rod assembly coupled to the braking element of the caster,and a plate coupled to the actuation member and to the rod assembly. Theplate may be coupled to the actuation member to pivot relative to theactuation member about a plate axis.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a surgicalpatient support may include a foundation frame and a support top. Thefoundation frame may include a rotation driver, a drive shaft, and adrive coupler. The support top may be coupled to the drive shaft of thefoundation frame and may rotate with the drive shaft. The support topmay be configured to rotate relative to the foundation frame about a topaxis extending along the length of the support top. The drive coupler ofthe foundation frame may be configured to move between an engagedposition, coupling the drive shaft to the rotation driver so that thesupport top is rotated about the top axis, and a disengaged position,de-coupling the drive shaft from the rotation drive so that the supporttop is free to be manually rotated about the top axis.

In some embodiments, the drive coupler may include a first engagementmember that extends through the rotation driver and into the drive shaftwhen the drive coupler is in the engaged position. The first engagementmember may be withdrawn from the drive shaft when the drive coupler isin the disengaged position.

In some embodiments, the drive coupler may include a second engagementmember that extends through the rotation driver and into the drive shaftwhen the drive coupler is in the engaged position. The second engagementmember may be withdrawn from the drive shaft when the drive coupler isin the disengaged position.

In some embodiments, the drive coupler may include an engagement slider,a handle, and a biasing spring. The engagement slider may slide betweena first position and a second position, the first position correspondingto the engaged position of the drive coupler and the second positioncorresponding to the disengaged position of the drive coupler. Theengagement slider may slide along the top axis to move between the firstposition and the second position. In some embodiments, the biasingspring may bias the engagement slider toward the first position.

In some embodiments, the drive coupler may include a cover plate formedto include a guide track. The handle may be coupled to the engagementslider and may extend away from the engagement slider through the guidetrack of the cover plate.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a brake systemfor a patient support apparatus may include at least two casters, apowered actuator, and a releasable linkage. The at least two casters maybe movable between a braked configuration and an unbraked configuration.The powered actuator may be configured to move the at least two castersbetween the braked configuration and the unbraked configuration. Thereleasable linkage may be coupled between the at least two casters andthe brake drive. The releasable linkage may be configured to disconnectthe at least two casters from the brake drive when the at least twocasters are in the braked configuration and to move the at least twocasters from the braked configuration to the unbraked configuration.

In some embodiments, each of the casters may include a stem, a hubcoupled to the stem and configured to pivot about a vertical axisrelative to the stem, a wheel coupled to the hub and configured torotate about a horizontal axis relative to the hub, and a brakingelement. The braking elements of the at least two casters may be movablebetween a disengaged position, allowing the hubs to pivot about thevertical axes and allowing the wheels to rotate about the horizontalaxes, and an engaged position, blocking the hubs from pivoting about thevertical axes and blocking the wheels from rotating about the horizontalaxes. The braking elements may be in the disengaged position when thecasters are in the unbraked configuration and the braking elements maybe in the engaged position when the casters are in the brakedconfiguration.

In some embodiments, the at least two casters may include at least fourcasters. Each of the casters may include a stem, a hub coupled to thestem and configured to pivot about a vertical axis relative to the stem,a wheel coupled to the hub and configured to rotate about a horizontalaxis relative to the hub, and a braking element. The braking element maybe movable between a disengaged position, allowing the hubs to pivotabout the vertical axes and allowing the wheels to rotate about thehorizontal axes, and an engaged position, blocking the hubs frompivoting about the vertical axes and blocking the wheels from rotatingabout the horizontal axes.

In some embodiments, the releasable linkage may include a plungerconfigured to be pulled by a user to disconnect the at least two castersfrom the brake drive. It is contemplated that the releasable linkage mayinclude a biasing spring configured to move the at least two castersfrom the braked configuration to the unbraked configuration when the atleast two casters are disconnected from the brake drive.

In some embodiments, the releasable linkage may include a spring biasingthe plunger away from being pulled out by a user. It is contemplatedthat, the powered actuator may be a linear actuator.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a surgicalpatient support top for use with a foundation frame is disclosed. Thesurgical patient support top may include a support frame and a motioncoupler. The support frame may include a first rail, a second railspaced apart from and parallel to the first rail, and a cross beam. Themotion coupler may include a connector configured to be coupled to thefoundation frame and a joint coupled to the cross beam and to theconnector. The joint may be configured to allow the connector to slideand shift relative to the crossbeam.

In some embodiments, the joint may include an arm extending from theconnector and into a beam slot formed in the cross beam. The joint mayinclude a first resilient bumper situated along a first side of the slotformed in the cross beam and a second resilient bumper situated along asecond side, opposite the first side, of the slot formed in the crossbeam. The first resilient bumper and the second resilient bumper may beformed from rubber.

In some embodiments, the joint may include a retainer configured toresist removal of the arm from the slot formed in the cross beam. Theretainer may include a retainer pin extending through an arm slot formedin the arm and a spring extending from the retainer pin to the arm.

In some embodiments, the first rail may include a number of indicatorsspaced at predetermined intervals along the length of the first rail. Itis contemplated that the second rail may include a number of indicatorsspaced at predetermined intervals along the length of the second rail.Each indicator on the first rail may correspond to an indicator on thesecond rail. The indicators of the first rail and the indicators of thesecond rail may be lines extending perpendicular to the length of thefirst rail and the second rail.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a yoke bracketfor coupling a patient support top to a foundation frame is disclosed.The yoke bracket may include a base member, a left coupling member, aright coupling member, a left ledge and a right ledge.

In some embodiments, the left coupling member may be coupled to the basemember and may extend substantially perpendicular to the base member.The left coupling member may be formed to include a number of attachmentholes situated between a front surface and a back surface of the leftcoupling member, the attachment holes extending through the leftcoupling member parallel to the base member.

In some embodiments, the right coupling member may be coupled to basemember and may extend substantially perpendicular to the base member.The right coupling member may be formed to include a number ofattachment holes situated between a front surface and a back surface ofthe right coupling member. The attachment holes may extend through theright coupling member parallel to the base member.

In some embodiments, the left ledge may extend from the left couplingmember toward the right coupling member and may be arranged along theback surface of the left coupling member. The right ledge may extendfrom the right coupling member toward the left coupling member and maybe arranged along the back surface of the right coupling member.

In some embodiments, the left ledge may be formed to include a number ofnotches, each notch corresponding to and aligned with an attachment holeof the left coupling member and extending into the ledge away from thecorresponding hole. The right ledge may be formed to include a number ofnotches, each notch corresponding to and aligned with an attachment holeof the right coupling member and extending into the ledge away from thecorresponding hole.

In some embodiments, the number of attachment holes formed in the leftcoupling member may be arranged along a line spaced apart from andextending perpendicular to the base member. The left coupling member maybe formed to include a coupling hole extending through the rightcoupling member parallel to the base member and arranged out ofalignment with the number of attachment holes.

In some embodiments, the number of attachment holes formed in the rightcoupling member may be arranged along the line spaced apart from andextending perpendicular to the base member. The right coupling membermay be formed to include a coupling hole extending through the rightcoupling member parallel to the base member and arranged out ofalignment with the number of attachment holes.

In some embodiments, each of the attachment holes of the left couplingmember may be aligned with a corresponding attachment hole of the rightcoupling member. Each of the left and the right coupling members mayinclude a series of markings associating each pair of correspondingattachment holes.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a rail couplerfor coupling an accessory to a rail is taught. The accessory railcoupler may include a bracket and a flap. The bracket may include afirst jaw and a second jaw cooperating with the top wall to define arail opening sized to receive the rail. The flap may be coupled to thefirst jaw for pivotable movement relative to the first jaw about anaxis. One of the second jaw and the flap may include a first headed postand the other of the second jaw and the flap may be formed to include anfirst post opening. The flap may be configured to pivot between an openposition, wherein the first headed post is withdrawn from the first postopening, and a closed position wherein the first headed post is receivedin the first post opening.

In some embodiments, the first post opening may be formed to include afirst section sized to allow the head of the first post to be receivedin the first post opening and a second section sized to block the headedfirst post from withdrawing from the first post opening. The flap may beslidable relative to the bracket along the axis between the closedposition, wherein the first headed post is received in the first sectionof the first opening and the flap is free to pivot relative to thebracket, and a clamped position, wherein the headed bracket is receivedin the second section of the first post opening and the flap is blockedfrom pivoting relative to the bracket.

In some embodiments, the first headed post may be coupled to the secondjaw and the first post opening is formed in the flap. In some suchembodiments, the second jaw may include a second headed post and thefirst opening may be formed to include a second post opening. The secondheaded post may be configured to be received in the second post openingwhen the flap is in the closed position. The second post may be blockedfrom being withdrawn from the second post opening when the flap is inthe clamped position.

In some embodiments, the flap may pivot relative to the bracket betweenthe open position and the closed position about a pivot pin extendingalong the pivot axis. It is contemplated that the center line of thefirst headed post may be spaced a first distance from the pivot pin. Thecenter line of the second section of the first post opening may bespaced a second distance from the pivot pin. The second distance may besmaller than the first distance.

In some embodiments, the rail coupler may include an unlocked indicatorconfigured to be displayed when the flap is slid away from the clampedposition and a locked indicator configured to be displayed with the flapis slid to the clamped position. The pivot pin may include a firstportion marked with the unlocked indicator and a second portion markedwith the locked indicator. The locked indicator may be blocked from viewwhen the flap is slid away from the clamped position and the lockedindicator may be blocked from view when the flap is slid to the clampedposition

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a surgicalpatient support may include a foundation frame, a support top, and arotation system. The foundation frame may include a first column and asecond column spaced from the first column. The support top may besupported between the first column and the second column of thefoundation frame and may rotate about a top axis. The rotation systemmay include a rotation driver configured to drive rotation of thesupport top about the top axis and a rotation brake configured to resistrotation of the support top about the top axis. The rotation driver maybe coupled to the first column and the rotation brake may be coupled tothe second column.

In some embodiments, the rotation brake may include a shaft, a frictionmember, and an actuation linkage. The shaft may be configured to becoupled to the support top. The friction member may be configured tomove between a first position allowing rotation of the shaft and asecond position resisting rotation of the shaft. The actuation linkagemay be configured to move the friction member from the first position tothe second position.

In some embodiments, the actuation linkage may include a linearactuator. The actuation linkage may include a pivot arm configured toconvert linear motion of the linear actuator into rotational movement.The actuation linkage may include a cam coupled to the pivot arm andconfigured to move the friction member from the first position to thesecond position.

In some embodiments, the friction member may be a clamp including anupper jaw and a lower jaw. The lower jaw may be moved toward the upperjaw when the friction member moves from the first position to the secondposition. The friction member may be U-shaped. The lower jaw may followa cam included in the actuation linkage when the friction member movesfrom the first position to the second position.

In some embodiments, the rotation brake may be coupled to the secondcolumn. In some such embodiments, the rotation brake may be slidablerelative to the second column.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a surgicalpatient support may include a foundation frame, a support top, and asurgical traction device. The foundation frame may include a firstcolumn and a hollow shaft supported by the first column for rotationrelative thereto. The support top may be coupled to the shaft of thefoundation frame to rotate with the shaft relative to the first column.The surgical traction device may include a traction attachmentconfigured to be coupled to a patient during surgery, a force provider,and a link that may extend through the shaft from the patient coupler tothe force provider.

In some embodiments, the force provider may be a weight coupled to thelink. The traction attachment may be configured to be coupled to apatient's head to provide cervical traction.

In some embodiments, the link may include a cable. The cable may beguided by a horizontal pulley coupled to the first column and a verticalpulley coupled to the first column.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure a surgical patientsupport includes a foundation frame, a support top, and a brake system.The foundation frame includes a first column having a first base, a leftcaster coupled to the first base, a right caster coupled to the firstbase, and an upright extending up from the first base. The support topis coupled to the upright of the first column for rotation about arotation axis extending along a longitudinal axis of the support top.The brake system includes a first plunger mounted to the first base formovement from a retracted position to an extended position and anactuator for moving the first plunger from the retracted position to theextended position. The first plunger in the retracted position isdisengaged from the floor to allow the left caster and the right casterof the first column to roll along the floor. The first plunger in theextended position is engaged with the floor to lift the left caster andthe right caster of the first column away from the floor to prevent theleft caster and the right caster of the first column from rolling alongthe floor.

In some embodiments, the left caster and the right caster of the firstcolumn may contact the floor when the first plunger is in the retractedposition. The left caster and the right caster of the first column maybe spaced apart from the floor when the first plunger is in the extendedposition.

The foundation frame may include a second column having a second base, aleft caster coupled to the second base, a right caster coupled to thesecond base, and an upright extending up from the second base. Thebraking system may include a second plunger mounted to the second basefor movement from a retracted position to an extended position. Thesecond plunger in the retracted position may be disengaged from thefloor to allow the left caster and the right caster of the second columnto roll along the floor. The first plunger in the extended position maybe engaged with the floor to lift the left caster and the right casterof the second column away from the floor to prevent the left caster andthe right caster of the second column from rolling along the floor.

In some embodiments, the first plunger may be spaced apart from andlocated between the left caster and the right caster of the firstcolumn. The second plunger may also be spaced apart from and locatedbetween the left caster and the right caster of the second column.

In some embodiments, the braking system may include a third plungerspaced apart from and located between the left caster and the rightcaster of the first column. The third plunger may be mounted to thefirst base for movement from a retracted position to an extendedposition. The braking system may also include a fourth plunger spacedapart from and located between the left caster and the right caster ofthe second column. The fourth caster may be mounted to the second basefor movement from a retracted position to an extended position.

In some embodiments, the braking system may include a third plungermounted to the first base for movement from a retracted position to anextended position. The braking system may also include a fourth plungermounted to the second base for movement from a retracted position to anextended position.

In some embodiments, the first plunger may be located between a pair ofwheels included in the left caster of the first column. The secondplunger may be located between a pair of wheels included in the leftcaster of the second column. The third plunger may be located between apair of wheels included in the right caster of the first column. Thefourth plunger may be located between a pair of wheels included in theright caster of the second column.

In some embodiments, the brake system may include a user input coupledto the upright of the first column. The actuator may be configured tomove the first plunger between the retracted position and the extendedposition in response to a signal from the user input.

In some embodiments, the brake system may include a releasable linkagecoupled between the first plunger and the actuator. The releasablelinkage may be configured to disconnect the first plunger from theactuator when the first plunger is in the extended position. The firstplunger may be biased toward the retracted position when the firstplunger is disconnected from the actuator.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a surgicalpatient support includes a foundation frame, a support top, and a brakesystem. The foundation frame includes a first column having a firstbase, a left caster coupled to the first base, a right caster coupled tothe first base, and an upright extending up from the first base. Thesupport top is coupled to the upright of the first column for rotationabout a rotation axis extending along a longitudinal axis of the supporttop. The brake system includes a first ring mounted to the first basefor movement from a raised position to a lowered position and anactuator for moving the first ring from the raised position to thelowered position. The first ring in the raised position is disengagedfrom the left caster of the first column to allow the left caster toroll along the floor. The first ring in the lowered position is engagedwith the left caster of the first column to block the left caster of thefirst column from rolling along the floor.

In some embodiments, the foundation frame includes a second columnspaced apart from the first column. The second column may include asecond base, a left caster coupled to the second base, a right castercoupled to the second base, and an upright extending up from the secondbase.

In some embodiments, the brake system may include a second ring mountedto the second base for movement from a raised position to a loweredposition. The second ring in the raised position may be disengaged fromthe left caster of the second column to allow the left caster to rollalong the floor. The second ring in the lowered position may be engagedwith the left caster of the second column to block the left caster ofthe second column from rolling along the floor.

In some embodiments, the brake system may include a third ring mountedto the first base for movement from a raised position to a loweredposition and a fourth ring mounted to the second base for movement froma raised position to a lowered position. The third ring in the raisedposition may be disengaged from the right caster of the first column toallow the right caster to roll along the floor. The third ring in thelowered position may be engaged with the right caster of the firstcolumn to block the right caster of the first column from rolling alongthe floor. The fourth ring in the raised position may be disengaged fromthe right caster of the second column to allow the right caster to rollalong the floor. The fourth ring in the lowered position may be engagedwith the right caster of the second column to block the right caster ofthe second column from rolling along the floor.

In some embodiments, the brake system may include a user input coupledto the upright of the first column. The actuator may be configured tomove the first ring between the raised position and the lowered positionin response to a signal from the user input.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a yoke bracket isdisclosed for coupling a patient support top to a foundation frameincluding a connection block with retainer pegs. The yoke bracketincludes a base member, a left coupling member, a right coupling member,and secondary retainer means. The left coupling member is coupled tobase member and extends substantially perpendicular to the base member.The left coupling member is formed to include a retainer slot adapted toreceive the retainer pegs of the connector block when the yoke bracketis coupled to the coupler block. The right coupling member is coupled tobase member and extends substantially perpendicular to the base memberwith an interior side facing an interior side of the left couplingmember. The right coupling member is formed to include a retainer slotadapted to receive the retainer pegs of the connector block when theyoke bracket is coupled to the coupler block. The secondary retainermeans is configured to resist movement of the yoke bracket away fromengagement with the connection block when the yoke bracket is coupled tothe connection block. Thus the patient support top is held in placerelative to the foundation frame unless the yoke bracket is acted uponby a user.

In some embodiments, the secondary retainer means may include aspring-loaded ball coupled to the bracket. The spring-loaded ball may besized to be received in a divot formed in the connector block.Illustratively some embodiments, the spring-loaded ball may extend fromthe interior side of the right coupling member toward the left couplingmember.

In some embodiments, the spring-loaded ball may be located in theretainer slot. The secondary retainer means may include a pair ofspring-loaded balls. The pair of spring-loaded balls may each extendingin to the retainer slot.

In some embodiments, the secondary retainer means may include a latchcoupled to the left coupling member for pivotable movement about a pivotaxis extending parallel to the base member. The latch may move from anopen position that allows the retainer peg of the connector block toenter the retainer slot of the left coupling member to a closed positionthat blocks the retainer peg of the connector block from moving out ofthe retainer slot of the left coupling member.

In some embodiments, the secondary retainer means may include a frictionpad formed on a surface of the yoke bracket and arranged to contact theconnector block. The retainer slot may be defined by a sidewall and afloor, and the friction pad may be formed on the sidewall. The frictionpad may be formed on the interior surface of the left coupling member.The friction pad may be formed on the surface of the yoke bracket isarranged to contact a friction pad formed on a surface of the connectorblock.

In some embodiments, the left retention slot may extend through the leftcoupling member. The right retention slot may also extend through theright coupling member.

In some embodiments, the retainer slot is defined by a sidewall and afloor. The secondary retention means may include a peg-recess pocketextending into the floor of the retainer slot. The peg-recess pocket maybe sized to receive a retainer peg of the connector block. Thepeg-recess pocket may be cylindrical.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a surgicalpatient support top for use with a foundation frame is taught. Thesurgical patient support top includes a support top frame and a motioncoupler. The support frame includes a first rail, a second rail spacedapart from and parallel to the first rail, and a cross beam extendingfrom the first rail to the second rail. The motion coupler includes aconnector configured to be coupled to the foundation frame for movementabout a horizontal axis so that the support frame is free to pivotrelative to the foundation frame about the horizontal axis. The motioncoupler also includes a joint coupled to the connector and coupled tothe cross beam of the support frame for slidable movement relative tothe cross beam so that the support frame is free to slide relative tothe foundation frame.

In some embodiments, the joint may include an arm extending from theconnector and into a beam slot formed in the cross beam. The beam slotmay be angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the cross beam sothat the support frame shifts and slides relative to the cross beam in aplane that intersects the horizontal axis at only one point.

In some embodiments, the joint may include a first resilient bumpersituated along a first side of the slot formed in the cross beam and asecond resilient bumper situated along a second side, opposite the firstside, of the beam slot. The joint may include a retainer configured toresist removal of the arm from the slot formed in the cross beam.

Additional features, which alone or in combination with any otherfeature(s), such as those listed above and those listed in the claims,may comprise patentable subject matter and will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art upon consideration of the following detaileddescription of various embodiments exemplifying the best mode ofcarrying out the embodiments as presently perceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanyingfigures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a patient support apparatus including afoundation frame and a patient support top supported on the foundationframe to rotate about an axis;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of the patient support apparatus of FIG. 1showing that the foundation frame includes a pair of columns housing arotation system, a lift system, and a braking system;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of an input pad for operating therotation system, the lift system, and the braking system;

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of a display included in the userinterface of the patient support apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the patient support of FIG. 1 showing apatient supported in the prone position facing straight down;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the patient support of FIG. 5 showingthe patient rotated about the longitudinal axis of the support top;

FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of the first (head end) columnincluded in the foundation frame of FIG. 1 showing the rotation systemin a powered mode of operation for rotating a patient;

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7 showing the rotation systemdisengaged to a manual mode of operation allowing a patient to berotated by hand;

FIG. 9 is an exploded assembly view of the rotation system;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the rotation system in the powered mode ofoperation;

FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 10 showing the rotation system in themanual mode of operation;

FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of the second (foot end) columnincluded in the foundation frame of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 12 showing a cover of the secondcolumn removed to expose a braking system;

FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 13 showing the braking system explodedaway from the second column;

FIG. 15 is an inboard elevation view of the second column of FIG. 13showing the braking system in an unbraked configuration allowing a shaftincluded in the brake system to rotate;

FIG. 16 is a view similar to FIG. 15 showing the braking system moved toa braked configuration resisting rotation of the shaft when a cam isrotated to push a lower jaw toward an upper jaw thereby squeezing theshaft;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the patient support apparatus of FIG. 1showing the patient supported in a flat prone position;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 17 showing the secondcolumn lowered so that the patient is supported in an inclined proneposition;

FIG. 19 is a side elevation view of the second column corresponding tothe second column in FIG. 17 with the cover removed to show that thebraking system coupled to the patient support top is slid-back relativeto the second column when the patient-support top is in a flatarrangement;

FIG. 20 is a side elevation view of the second column corresponding tothe second column in FIG. 18 showing that the braking system coupled tothe patient support top is slid-forward relative to the second columnwhen the patient support top is in an inclined arrangement;

FIG. 21 is an outboard view of the first column included in the patientsupport apparatus of FIG. 1 showing a rotary switch coupled to the firstcolumn in a “BRAKE” position so that braking elements included in thecasters of the first column are in an engaged position blocking thecasters from turning or rolling;

FIG. 22 is a view similar to FIG. 21 showing the rotary switch moved toa “ROLL” position so that braking elements included in the casters ofthe first column are moved to a disengaged position allowing the castersto turn and roll;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the braking system included in thepatient support apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2 showing that the brakingsystem includes a manual release for disengaging brake elements of thebrake system in response to a user manually pulling a plunger;

FIG. 24 is an exploded view of the braking system of FIG. 23;

FIGS. 25A-C are a set of views of the braking system of FIGS. 23 and 24diagrammatically showing braking elements in a disengaged (unbraked)condition;

FIGS. 26A-C are a set of views similar to FIGS. 25A-C diagrammaticallyshowing the braking element moved to an engaged (braked) condition;

FIGS. 27A-C are a set of views similar to FIGS. 26A-C diagrammaticallyshowing the braking element in the engaged (braked) condition as a userpulls the plunger to release and disengage the braking element;

FIGS. 28A-C are a set of view similar to FIGS. 27A-C diagrammaticallyshowing the braking element in the disengaged (unbraked) condition aftera user has pulled the plunger;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of an alternative braking systemconfigured to be used in the patient support apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2showing that the alternative braking system includes a manual releasefor disengaging brake elements of the brake system in response to a usermanually pulling a plunger;

FIG. 30 is an exploded view of the alternative braking system of FIG.29;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of braking system of FIGS. 29-30 showingthe braking system in an unbraked configuration;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 31 showing the brakingsystem moved to the braked configuration;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 32 showing the brakingsystem in the braked configuration as a user pulls a release handleincluded in the braking system;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 33 showing the brakingsystem returning to the unbraked configuration in response to therelease handle being pulled;

FIG. 35 is an outboard view of a first column included in an alternativepatient support apparatus with another alternative braking systemshowing a rotary switch coupled to the first column in a “BRAKE”position so that plungers included in legs located between casters ofthe column are in an extended, engaged position contacting the floor sothat the column is unable to turn or roll;

FIG. 36 is a view similar to FIG. 35 showing the rotary switch moved toa “ROLL” position so that the plungers are in a retracted, disengagedposition spaced apart from the floor so that the column is free to turnand roll on the casters;

FIG. 37 is an outboard view of a first column included in anotheralternative patient support apparatus with another alternative brakingsystem showing a rotary switch coupled to the first column in a “BRAKE”position so that plungers included in stems of the casters of the columnare in an extended, engaged position contacting the floor so that thecolumn is unable to turn or roll;

FIG. 38 is a view similar to FIG. 43 showing the rotary switch moved toa “ROLL” position so that the plungers are in a retracted, disengagedposition spaced apart from the floor so that the column is free to turnand roll on the casters;

FIG. 39 is an outboard view of a first column included in yet anotheralternative patient support apparatus with another alternative brakingsystem showing a rotary switch coupled to the first column in a “BRAKE”position so that brake rings included in the braking system are in alowered, engaged position contacting wheels included in the casters toblock the wheels from turning or rolling;

FIG. 40 is a view similar to FIG. 39 showing the rotary switch moved toa “ROLL” position so that brake rings included in the braking system arein a raised, disengaged position freeing wheels included in the castersto turn and roll;

FIG. 41 is partial perspective view of the patient support of FIG. 1showing that the patient support top includes a support frame and amotion joint that is coupled to the foundation frame by a yoke bracket;

FIG. 42 is an exploded view of one end of the patient support top ofFIG. 41 showing that the motion joint includes a connector configured tocouple to the yoke bracket and a joint extending from the cross beam tothe connector;

FIG. 43 is a top plan view of the motion joint of FIG. 41 showing therails of the patient support top extending at a first angle from acolumn of the foundation frame, and showing the patient support topcutaway to show that the joint of the motion joint includes an armextending through the cross beam, a pair of resilient bumpers situatedon either side of the arm inside the cross beam, and a retainerconfigured to keep the arm from being pulled out from the cross beam;

FIG. 44 is a view similar to FIG. 43 showing rails of the rails of thepatient support top shifted relative to the foundation frame;

FIG. 45 is a perspective view of the yoke bracket included in thepatient support of FIG. 1;

FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 45 taken at line 46-46 andshowing that the yoke bracket includes a ledge with a number of notchesformed therein so that a pin connector is guided into one of a number ofattachment holes formed in the yoke bracket;

FIGS. 47-52 are a series of views showing the yoke bracket of FIG. 39being mounted on a connector block included in the foundation frame;

FIG. 47 is a perspective view of the yoke bracket being lowered on tothe connector block of the foundation frame;

FIG. 47A is a partial cross-section view of FIG. 47 showing that a slotformed in the yoke bracket is facing the connector block;

FIG. 48 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 47 showing the yokebracket contacting the connector block of the foundation frame;

FIG. 48A is a partial cross-sectional view of FIG. 48 showing the slotformed in the yoke bracket aligned with a retainer peg included in theconnector block;

FIG. 49 is a perspective view similar to FIGS. 47 and 48 showing theslot formed in the yoke bracket receiving the retaining peg included inthe connector block;

FIG. 49A is a partial cross-sectional view of FIG. 49 showing that theyoke bracket slides along the connector block so that the slot formed inthe yoke bracket receives the retainer peg included in the connectorblock;

FIG. 50 is a perspective view similar to FIGS. 47-49 showing the yokebracket rotated about the retainer peg;

FIG. 50A is a partial cross-sectional view of FIG. 50 showing that whenthe yoke bracket pivots about the retainer peg, a hole extending throughthe yoke bracket aligns with a hole extending through the connectorblock;

FIG. 51 is a perspective view similar to FIGS. 47-50 showing a pin beinginserted through the aligned holes of the yoke bracket;

FIG. 51A is a partial cross-sectional view of FIG. 51 showing the pinextending through the yoke bracket and the connector block;

FIG. 52 is a perspective view similar to FIGS. 47-51 showing the yokebracket and the connector block rotated about a pivot axis so that theyoke bracket is mounted to the connector block for supporting a patient;

FIG. 52A is a partial cross-sectional view of FIG. 52 showing that theconnector pin and the retainer peg both connect the yoke bracket to theconnector block of the foundation frame when the yoke bracket is mountedto the connector block;

FIG. 53 is a perspective view similar to FIGS. 47-52 showing the pinconnecting the yoke bracket to the connector block removed and the yokebracket pivoted about the retainer peg;

FIG. 53A is a partial cross-sectional view of FIG. 53 showing that theretainer peg can independently connect the yoke bracket to the connectorblock of the foundation frame even if the pin extending through the yokebracket and the connector block is removed;

FIG. 54 is a perspective view of an alternative yoke bracket configuredfor use with an alternative connector block shown in FIG. 55, thealternative yoke bracket including a spring-loaded ball sized to bereceived in a detent formed in the connector block;

FIG. 55 is a perspective view of an alternative connector blockconfigured for use with the alternative yoke bracket of FIG. 54, thealternative connector block is formed to include a detent sized toreceive the spring-loaded ball of the alternative yoke bracket;

FIG. 56 is a cross-sectional view of the alternative yoke bracket ofFIG. 54 showing the location of the spring-loaded ball and suggesting analternative location for the spring-loaded ball;

FIG. 56A is a detail view of a portion of the cross-sectional view ofFIG. 56;

FIG. 57 is a side-elevation view of the connector block of FIG. 55showing the location of the detent and suggesting an alternativelocation for the detent;

FIG. 57A is a detail view of a portion of the side-elevation view ofFIG. 57;

FIG. 58 is cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 56 of anotheralternative yoke bracket including a pair of spring-loaded ballsconfigured to resist removal of the yoke bracket from a connector block;

FIG. 58A is a detail view of a portion of the cross-sectional view ofFIG. 58 showing the location of the spring-loaded balls;

FIG. 59 is cross-sectional view similar to FIGS. 56 and 58 of yetanother alternative yoke bracket including a pivoting latch configuredto block unwanted removal of the yoke bracket from a connector block;

FIG. 59A is a detail view of a portion of the cross-sectional view ofFIG. 59 showing the location of the pivoting latch;

FIG. 60 is a perspective view of another alternative yoke bracket alongwith another alternative connector block showing that the friction padof the yoke bracket is located in a slot formed in the yoke bracket andthe friction pad of the connector block is formed on a connector peg ofthe connector block;

FIG. 61 is a perspective view of another alternative yoke bracket alongwith another alternative connector block similar to those shown in FIG.60 showing that a top surface of the yoke bracket is formed to include afriction pad arranged to contact a friction pad formed on the connectorblock when the yoke bracket is coupled to the connector block to resistremoval of the yoke bracket from the connector block;

FIG. 62A is a first perspective view of another alternative yoke bracketalong with another alternative connector block similar to those shown inFIGS. 60 and 61 showing that the friction pad of the yoke bracket islocated on an internal side of a left coupling member of the yokebracket;

FIG. 62B is a second perspective view of the alternative yoke bracketand connector block shown in FIG. 62A showing that the friction pad ofthe connector block is located on an external side of the connectorblock and is arranged to contact the friction pad of the alternativeyoke bracket;

FIG. 63 is a perspective view of another alternative yoke bracket and analternative connector block including a downwardly-jutting retainer thatcontacts a ledge included in the yoke bracket;

FIG. 63A is a front elevation view of the connection of the alternativeyoke bracket and connector block of FIG. 63 showing that thedownwardly-jutting retainer supports a spring-loaded ball that isreceived by the ledge included in the yoke bracket;

FIG. 64 is a perspective view of another alternative yoke bracket and analternative connector block including a downwardly-jutting retainer thatcontacts a ledge included in the yoke bracket similar to the alternativeconnector block of FIG. 63;

FIG. 64A is a front elevation view of the connection of the alternativeyoke bracket and connector block of FIG. 64 showing that thedownwardly-jutting retainer supports a latch that pivots about an axisto move from a closed position blocking the ledge from moving away fromthe connector block to an open position allowing the ledge to move awayfrom the connector block;

FIG. 65 is a perspective view of another alternative yoke bracketcoupled to a connector block;

FIG. 65A is a front elevation view of the alternative yoke bracket ofFIG. 65 coupled to the connector block;

FIG. 65B is a detail view of a portion of the alternative yoke bracketand connector block of FIG. 65A;

FIG. 66 is a perspective view of yet another alternative yoke bracketshowing that the yoke bracket includes a base, a left connection membercoupled to the base and formed to include a slot extending through theleft connection member, and a right connection member coupled to thebase and formed to include a slot extending through the right connectionmember;

FIG. 67 is a perspective view of the alternative yoke bracket of FIG. 66showing that the slots in the left and the right connection members aresized to receive retaining pegs included in the connection block;

FIG. 68 is a perspective view of another alternative yoke bracket andanother alternative connector block showing that a left and a rightconnection member of the yoke bracket each include a peg-receivingpocket formed in a slot and suggesting that a retainer peg included inthe connector block is movable from an extended position to an retractedposition;

FIG. 68A is a detail perspective view of a portion of FIG. 68 showingthe peg-receiving pocket formed in the slot of the left connectionmember;

FIG. 69 is a perspective view of an alternative patient support top foruse with the foundation frame of FIG. 1, the alternative patient supporttop including a plate forming a panel and a pair of rails;

FIG. 70 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 48 taken at line 49-49 showingthat the plate of the alternative patient support top is integrallyformed with the rails;

FIG. 71 is a perspective view of another alternative patient support topfor use with the foundation frame of FIG. 1, the alternative patientsupport top including a support frame and a motion joint;

FIG. 72 is a front elevation view of the alternative patient support ofFIG. 71 showing that the motion joint includes an arm received in a slotformed in a cross beam of the support frame and a connector extendingparallel to the cross beam;

FIG. 73 is a cross-sectional view of the alternative patient support ofFIGS. 71 and 72 showing that the slot formed in the cross beam is notparallel with the connector of the motion joint;

FIG. 74 is a perspective view of a rail coupler included in the patientsupport apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 75 is an exploded assembly view of the rail coupler of FIG. 74showing that the rail coupler includes a bracket, a flap, and a pivotpin;

FIG. 76 is a front view of the rail coupler of FIGS. 74 and 75 showingthe flap of the rail coupler in an open position;

FIG. 77 is a side elevation view of the rail coupler of FIG. 76;

FIG. 78 is a front view of the rail coupler of FIGS. 74 and 75 showingthe flap pivoted to a closed position;

FIG. 79 is a side elevation view of the rail coupler of FIG. 78;

FIG. 80 is a front view of the rail coupler of FIGS. 74 and 75 showingthe flap slid to a clamped position wherein the flap is blocked frommoving to an open position by the flap lock;

FIG. 81 is a side elevation view of the rail coupler of FIG. 80;

FIG. 82 is a partial front elevation view of an alternative flap lockfor use with the rail coupler of FIG. 74;

FIG. 83 is a partial front elevation view of another alternative flaplock for use with the rail coupler of FIG. 74;

FIG. 84 is a side elevation view of an alternative rail coupler for usewith a triangular rail;

FIG. 85 is a side elevation view of an alternative rail coupler whereinthe bracket is configured to be coupled with a slide-on accessory;

FIG. 86 is a diagrammatic view of the patient support apparatus incommunication with a communication infrastructure and with a remotecomputer;

FIG. 87 is a perspective view of an alternative patient supportapparatus similar to the patient support apparatus of FIG. 1 showingthat the alternative patient support apparatus includes a pedal controlinput for operating the brake system and a foundation frame with afoldable extension coupled between a first column and a second column ofthe foundation frame;

FIG. 88 is a side elevation view of the patient support apparatus ofFIG. 63 showing the foldable extension moving from an extended-useconfiguration toward a folded-storage configuration;

FIG. 89 is a side elevation view of the patient support apparatus ofFIG. 1 showing that the patient support apparatus includes a tractiondevice;

FIG. 90 is a side elevation view of the first (head end) column of thepatient support apparatus of FIG. 89 showing the traction device coupledto the first column;

FIG. 91 is a view similar to FIG. 90 with the cover of the first columnbroken away to show the arrangement of the traction device;

FIG. 92 is a top plan view of the first column of the patient supportapparatus of FIG. 89 showing the traction device coupled to the firstcolumn;

FIG. 93 is a view similar to FIG. 92 with the cover of the first columnbroken away to show a horizontal pulley included in the traction devicecoupled to the first column;

FIG. 94 is a rear elevation view of the first column of the patientsupport apparatus of FIG. 89 showing the traction device coupled to thefirst column; and

FIG. 95 is a view similar to FIG. 94 with the cover of the first columnbroken away to show a vertical pulley included in the traction devicecoupled to the first column.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A patient support apparatus 10 for supporting a patient during surgeryis shown in FIG. 1. The patient support apparatus 10 illustrativelyincludes a foundation frame 12 and a patient support top 14. Thefoundation frame 12 rests on a floor 16 and is configured to suspend thesupport top 14 in a number of different positions above the floor 16.Thus, a patient undergoing surgery can be moved with the support top 14to a number of different positions and orientations depending on theparticular surgical operation to be performed on the patient.

The foundation frame 12 includes a first column 24, a second column 26,an extension 28, and a control system 30 as shown in FIG. 1. In theillustrative embodiment, the first column 24 is a head-end column andthe second column 26 is a foot-end column. The support top 14 is coupledto the foundation frame 12 between the columns 24, 26 via yoke brackets20. The support top 14 and the yoke brackets 20 are configured to rotaterelative to the foundation frame 12 about a pivot axis 22 as suggestedby arrow 23 in FIG. 1. The pivot axis 22 extends parallel to, and isspaced apart from, the length of the support top 14. Thus, a patient canbe rotated prior to or during a surgical operation.

Each column 24, 26 includes a base 31 and an upright 32 extending upfrom the base 31 as shown in FIG. 1. Each base 31 includes a horizontaltop plate 51, a vertical lower plate 53 extending down from thehorizontal plate 51, and a cover 55 coupled the top plate 51 to housethe lower plate 53. Each upright 32 includes a lower section 34 and anupper section 36 that is movable vertically up and down along the lowersection 34 as suggested by arrow 38 to raise and lower each end of thesupport top 14. Thus, a patient can be raised, lowered, or inclinedprior to or during a surgical operation at the discretion of a surgeon.

Additionally, each column 24, 26 of the patient support apparatus 10includes a pair of casters 33, 35 that engage the floor 16 as shown inFIG. 1. All of the casters 33, 35 are selectively freed to allow thepatient support apparatus 10 to roll along the floor 16 to differentsurgery or storage rooms within a healthcare facility. However, duringsurgical operations, the patient support apparatus 10 may be held inplace relative to the floor 16 to minimize unwanted movement of thepatient during the operation.

The extension 28 extends between the columns 24, 26 and includes a firsttube 41 and a second tube 42 configured to telescope as suggested byarrow 43 in FIG. 1. Telescoping of the tubes 41, 42 allow the columns24, 26 to be moved between a deployed position, spaced to support thesupport top 14, and a storage position, collapsed together reducing thefootprint of the foundation frame 12.

The control system 30 is configured to control the motions of thepatient support apparatus 10. Specifically, the control system 30directs rotation of the support top 14 about the pivot axis 22, movementof the upper section 36 along the lower section 34 of each upright 32 toraise and lower the ends of the support top 14, and freedom of thecasters 33, 35 to roll along the floor 16.

The control system 30 includes a controller 40, a user interface 44, arotation system 46, a lift system 48, and a brake system 50 as showndiagrammatically in FIG. 2. The controller 40 is electrically coupled tothe user interface 44, the rotation system 46, the lift system 48, andthe brake system 50. The user interface 44 includes a display 52 and auser input 54 configured to allow a surgeon to direct operation of andreceive information about the foundation frame systems 46, 48, 50. Therotation system 46 is configured to provide powered and manual rotationof the support top 14 about the pivot axis 22. The lift system 48 isconfigured to provide powered movement of the upper section 36 relativeto the lower section 34 to raise and lower the ends of the support top14. The brake system 50 is configured to provide powered braking andunbraking of the casters 33, 35 and to allow manual unbraking of thecasters 33, 35 in case of a power failure.

The controller 40, shown diagrammatically in FIG. 2, illustrativelyincludes a memory 56 containing instructions, a clock 57, and aprocessor 58 coupled to the clock 57 and to the memory 56 to execute theinstructions stored therein. The memory 56 may be embodied as orotherwise include one or more memory devices or data storage locationsincluding, for example, dynamic random access memory devices (DRAM),synchronous dynamic random access memory devices (SDRAM), double-datarate synchronous dynamic random access memory device (DDR SDRAM), maskread-only memory (ROM) devices, erasable programmable ROM (EPROM),electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM) devices, flash memorydevices, and/or other volatile and/or non-volatile memory devices. Theprocessor 58 may be embodied as any type of processor capable ofexecuting the instructions stored in the memory 56. The illustrativeprocessor 58 is a single core processor, but processors having multiplecores may be used in other embodiments.

The user interface 44 of the illustrative embodiment includes a remotependant 60, a panel 61, and a switch box 62 as shown in FIG. 1. Theremote pendant 60 is illustratively coupled to the first column 24 by anextendable cord 64 and is received in a dock 66 situated along a rightside 63 of the upper section 36 included in the first column 24. Inother embodiments, the remote pendant 60 may be wireless. The panel 61is illustratively mounted to a top side 64 of the upper section 36included in the first column 24. The switch box 62 is mounted along aback side 65 of the upper section 36 included in the first column 24.

As shown in FIG. 3, the remote pendant 60 includes buttons 67-74.Buttons 67, 68 are configured to activate rotation system 46 to rotatesupport top 14 about the pivot axis 22. Buttons 69, 70 are configured toactivate the lift system 48 to raise or lower the upper section 36 ofthe first column 24 relative to the lower section 34 of the first column24. Buttons 71, 72 are configured to activate a lift drive 93 includedin the lift system 48 to raise or lower the upper section 36 of thesecond column 26 relative to the lower section 34 of the second column26. Buttons 73, 74 are configured to simultaneously raise or lower theupper sections 36 of the first and second columns 24, 26 relative to thelower sections 34 of the first and second columns 24, 26. In theillustrative embodiment, buttons 67-74 are electro-mechanicalpush-button switches arranged adjacent icons suggesting the associatedmovement type and each button is marked with an indicator to suggest thedirection of movement to be activated by pressing the respective button.In other embodiments, the remote pendant 60 may include GUI interfacessuch as LCD screens with menus and/or touch sensitive areas to achievethe functions described.

As shown in FIG. 4, the panel 61 includes indicator lights 77-80 andstatus displays 81-82 showing status information related to thefoundation frame 12 and support top 14. A power indicator light 77 islit when the control system 30 has power received from an external powersource (not shown) or a battery power source (not shown), therebyshowing power status. A brake indicator light 78 is unlit when the brakesystem 50 is unbraked so that casters 33, 35 are free to roll along thefloor 16, thereby showing brake status. A maintenance indicator light 79is lit when the controller 40 determines that the foundation frame 12needs service, thereby showing service status. When the maintenanceindicator light 79 is lit, all powered functions of the foundation frame12 may be disabled. A flip indicator light 80 is lit when the rotationsystem 46 is configured to allow manual rotation of the support top 14about the pivot axis 22, thereby showing rotation status. A rotationdisplay 81 indicates the rotation angle of the rotation system 46,thereby showing rotation angle status of the support top 14 relative tothe foundation frame 12. A lift display 82 indicates the location ofeach upper section 36 of the columns 24, 26, thereby showing height andlift angle statuses of the support top 14. The rotation and liftdisplays 81, 82 may be used by a surgeon to determine the orientationand position of a patient supported on the patient support 10 even whenthe patient is covered in surgical drapes or covers. In otherembodiments, panel 61 may be a GUI with an LCD for displayinginformation and/or a touch-screen for displaying information and forreceiving user inputs.

As shown in FIG. 7, the switch box 62 includes a housing 84 and a rotaryswitch 86 received in the housing 84. Rotary switch 86 is configured tomove between a first position, wherein the brake system 50 is braked,and a second position, wherein the brake system 50 is unbraked. When thebrake system 50 is unbraked, the casters 33, 35 are free to roll alongthe floor 16 in different directions. When the brake system is braked,the casters 33, 35 are blocked from rolling along the floor 16 and areheld in a single direction. In some embodiments, the rotary switch ismovable to a third position to initiate a brake reset sequence to resetthe brake system 50 after the brake system 50 has been manually releasedas further described below. In other embodiments, one or more membraneswitches, pivot switches, or other suitable user inputs may be used tocontrol the brake system 50.

The rotation system 46 for rotating the patient support top 14 relativeto the foundation frame 12 is housed in the columns 24, 26 of thefoundation frame 12 and is coupled to the support top 14 as showndiagrammatically in FIG. 2. The rotation system 46 is operable in apowered mode to rotate the support top 14 about the pivot axis 22 inresponse to a user pressing one of the buttons 67, 68 on the remotependant 60. Thus, a user can rotate a patient without adjustingmechanical locks or manually controlling turning of the patient.Alternatively, in a manual mode, the rotation system 46 allows manualrotation of the support top 14 about the pivot axis 22 relative tofoundation frame 12.

The rotation system 46 includes a rotation drive 88, a drive shaft 90configured to be coupled to the support top 14, and a drive coupler 92as shown in FIG. 2. The drive coupler 92 connects the rotation drive 88to the drive shaft 90 when the rotation system 46 is in the powered modeand disconnects the rotation drive 88 from the drive shaft 90 when therotation system is in the manual mode. The rotation drive 88, driveshaft 90, and drive coupler 92 are coupled to the first column 24.

The powered mode of the rotation system 46 is established when a knob 94included in the drive coupler 92 is located in a forward-and-downposition in a guide plate 96 as shown in FIG. 7. The manual mode of therotation system 46 is established when the knob 94 is located in aback-and-down position in the guide plate 96 as shown in FIG. 8. To movethe rotation system 46 between the powered mode and the manual mode, auser lifts the knob 94, slides the knob 94 back or forward, and pushesthe knob 94 down along an inverted U-shaped slot 98 formed in the guideplate 96.

The rotation drive 88 includes a linear actuator 100 and a rotation arm102 coupled to the linear actuator 100 by a pin 104 as shown in FIG. 7.The linear actuator 100 extends and retracts in response to a useroperating buttons 67, 68 of remote pendant 60. The rotation arm 102includes a body 106 and a finger 108 configured to be coupled to thelinear actuator 100. The body 106 of the rotation arm 102 is formed toinclude a central opening 110 and a number of engagement holes 111(illustratively four) arranged around the central opening 110.

The drive shaft 90 includes a shaft 112, a collar 113, and a key 114.The collar 113 is configured to be coupled to the shaft 112 by a setscrew 116 to locate the collar 113 axially along the shaft. The shaft112 is illustratively hollow and forms a central opening 118. The collar113 is formed to include a central opening 120 sized to receive theshaft 112 and a number of engagement holes 121 (illustratively four)arranged around the central opening 120. The engagement holes 121 of thecollar 113 are spaced to correspond with the engagement holes 111 of therotation arm 102. The key 114 extends along the shaft 112 and engagesnotches 125, 127 formed in the shaft 112 and the collar 123 to block thecollar 123 from rotating about the shaft 112.

The drive coupler 92 includes an engagement member 122, a user control124, and a biasing spring 126 as shown in FIG. 9. The engagement member122 is configured to engage the rotation arm 102 of the rotation drive88 and the collar 113 of the drive shaft 90 when the rotation system 46is in the powered mode and to disengage from the collar 113 of the driveshaft 90 when the rotation system 46 is in the manual mode. The usercontrol 124 is configured move and hold the engagement member 122 out ofengagement with the collar 113 of the drive shaft 90 in response to amechanical user input. The biasing spring 126 biases engagement member122 toward engagement with the collar 113 of the drive shaft 90.

The engagement member 122 includes a ring 128 formed to includes acentral opening 130 and a number (illustratively four) of pegs 131. Thecentral opening 130 of the engagement member 122, the central opening120 of the collar 113, the central opening 110 of the rotation arm 102,and the hollow shaft 112 cooperate to form a passage 132 extendingthrough the rotation system 46 along the pivot axis 22 through whichcervical traction cables, intravenous tubes, patient monitoring sensorwires, and other lines can be run so that the lines are not twistedduring rotation of a patient about the pivot axis 22 during surgery. Thepegs 131 are spaced to correspond with the engagement holes 111 of therotation arm 102 and the engagement holes 121 of the collar 113. Thedrive coupler 92 also includes a pair of screws 134, 135 coupling theengagement member 122 to the user interface 124.

The user control 124 includes a sleeve 136, the knob 94, and the guideplate 96 as shown in FIG. 9. The sleeve 136 is coupled to the firstcolumn 24 for pivotable movement relative to the column 24 about an axis133. The knob 94 is coupled to the sleeve 136 by a screw 137 forpivotable movement relative to the sleeve 136 about a pivot axis 95. Theguide plate 96 is formed to include the inverted U-shaped slot 98 andthe knob 94 extends through the slot 98.

The sleeve 136 includes a band 138 sized to receive the ring 128 of theengagement member 122 and is formed to include a top slot 139 and abottom slot 140. The top and bottom slots 139, 140 extend partiallyaround the pivot axis 22. The slots 139, 140 receive the screws 134, 135for movement along the slots 139, 140 so that the engagement member 122is movable relative to the sleeve 136 as the sleeve 136 pivots about theaxis 133.

In the powered mode of the rotation system 46, the pegs 131 of theengagement member 122 are received in the engagement holes 111 of therotation arm 102 and the engagement holes 121 of the collar 113, asshown in FIG. 10. Thus, rotation of the rotation arm 102 is transmittedto the drive shaft 90 and the support top 14 is rotated under power fromthe linear actuator 100 about the pivot axis 22. The linear actuator 100is extended and retracted in response to a user input from the remotependant 60. Additionally, the knob 94 of the user control 124 is in theforward-and-down position and the engagement member 122 is blocked fromdisengagement by the guide plate 96 until a user lifts up on the knob94.

In the manual mode of the rotation system 46, the pegs 131 of theengagement member 122 are received in the engagement holes 111 of therotation arm 102 but are withdrawing from the engagement holes 121 ofthe collar 113 as shown in FIG. 11. Thus, the drive shaft 90 and thesupport top 14 are free to rotate about the pivot axis 22 in response toa user manipulating the support top 14. Additionally, the knob 94 of theuser control 124 is in the back-and-down position and the engagementmember 122 is blocked from engaging the engagement holes 121 of thecollar 113 by the guide plate 96 until a user lifts up on the knob 94.

The rotation system 46 also includes a rotation brake 600 configured toresist rotation of the support top 14 when the rotation system 46 is inthe powered mode of operation and a user is not pressing one of thebuttons 67, 68 on the remote pendant 60. Thus, a patient is held in adesired rotational position when the user of the surgical table 10 stopspowered rotation of the patient without the user adjusting manually setlocks or brakes.

Rotation brake 600 is coupled to second column 26 as shown in FIGS.12-16. The rotation brake 600 includes a shaft 602, a shaft brake 604,and an actuation linkage 606, as shown, for example, in FIG. 14. Theshaft 602 is configured to be coupled to the support top 14 and torotate therewith. The shaft brake 604 is configured to move between anunbraked position allowing rotation of the shaft 602 and a brakedposition resisting rotation of the shaft 602. The actuation linkage 604is configured to move the shaft brake 604 between the unbraked andbraked position.

The shaft 602 is supported for rotation on second column 26 by a pair ofplates 610, 611 fitted with bushings 612, 613 as shown in FIG. 14. Shaft602 illustratively includes a hollow shaft 616 supported on bushings612, 613 and a collar 618 coupled to the hollow shaft 616. Hollow shaft616 is configured to be coupled to support top 14 and may guide a cablefor a traction device used during surgery. Collar 618 is configured tobe engaged and disengaged by shaft brake 602.

Shaft brake 604 is illustratively a U-shaped clamp configured to receivecollar 618 of shaft 602 as shown in FIG. 14. Shaft brake 604 includes anupper jaw 620 and a lower jaw 622. The upper jaw 620 is mounted to abracket 630 between plates 610, 611. The lower jaw 622 is biased a firstdistance from the upper jaw 620 so that the shaft 602 is allowed torotate relative to second column 26 as suggested in FIG. 15. The lowerjaw 622 is moved by the actuation linkage 604 toward the upper jaw 620so that the shaft 602 is engaged by the shaft brake 604 and so thatshaft brake 604 resists rotation of the shaft 602 as suggested in FIG.16.

Actuation linkage 606 is configured to move the lower jaw 622 of theshaft brake 604 toward the upper jaw 620 of the shaft brake 604.Actuation linkage 606 includes a linear actuator 624, a pivot arm 626,and a cam 628 supported by a bracket 630 located between the plates 610,611. The linear actuator 624 is configured to extend and retract topivot the cam 628. The pivot arm 626 is coupled to the linear actuator624 and is configured to convert linear motion of the linear actuator624 into rotational movement of the cam 628 as suggested by arrow 629 inFIG. 16. The cam 628 is coupled to the pivot arm 626 and contacts thelower jaw 622 of shaft brake 604 so that the lower jaw 622 follows thecam 628 and moves toward the upper jaw 620 as suggested by arrow 623 inFIG. 16 thereby causing the shaft brake 604 to resist rotation of theshaft 602.

In the illustrative embodiment, the connection of the support top 14 tothe second column 26 is slidable toward the first column 24 toaccommodate increased distance between the top of the second column 26and the top of the first column 24. The distance between the top of thesecond column 26 and the top of the first column 24 is increased whenthe lift system 48 is operated to incline a patient as shown in FIG. 18.

To provide the slidable connection between the second column 26 and thesupport top 14, the rotation brake 600 that couples to the support top14 is mounted on a sled plate 650 as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20. Sledplate 650 is configured to slide along a sled base 652 mounted on thesecond column 26 so that when the upper section 36 of second column 26is lowered as suggested by arrow 37 the sled plate 650 slides toward thefirst column 24 as suggested by arrow 651 in FIG. 20.

The sled base 652 includes a plate 656, a number of rollers 658, and aretainer bracket 660 as shown in FIG. 14. The plate 656 is mounted toupper section 36 of second column 26 by bolts 654. The rollers 658 arecoupled to the plate 656 and are configured to support the slidingmotion of the sled plate 650. The retainer bracket 660 is coupled to theplate 656 of the sled base 652. The retainer bracket 660 is alsoconnected to the sled plate 650 by a chain 662 to retain the sled plate650 on the sled base 652 when the sled moves relative to the sled base652.

The sled plate 650 is formed to include channels 664 along right andleft sides of the sled plate 650. Each channel 664 is sized to receivethe rollers 658 included in the sled base 652 as shown in FIG. 13.

The brake system 50 for holding the patient support apparatus in placeon the floor 16 includes a pair of brake drives 150, a pair of castersets 33, 35, and a pair of releasable linkages 152 as showndiagrammatically in FIG. 2. For ease of description, only one of eachpair of components is further described below. However, the followingdescription is applicable to each of the components included in eachpair. The brake drive 150 is coupled to the controller 40 and isconfigured to drive the braking system 50 between a braked configurationand an unbraked configuration in response to a user turning rotaryswitch 86 as suggested by arrow 87 from a BRAKE position, shown in FIG.21, to a ROLL position as shown in FIG. 22. The releasable linkage 152is coupled between the brake drive 150 and the casters 33, 35. Thereleasable linkage is configured to allow a user to manually free thebraking system 50 to move to a released-and-unbraked configuration. Themanually achieved released-and-unbraked configuration allows a user tomove the patient support apparatus 10 in case of a power failure, anemergency, or an equipment failure.

The brake drive 150 includes a mount block 154, a linear actuator 156,and a slider 158 as shown in FIG. 24. The mount block 154 is coupled tothe lower plate 53 included in one of the columns 24, 26 and supportsthe linear actuator 156 and the releasable linkage 152. The linearactuator 156 is coupled to the mount block 154 by a bolt 159 and extendsand retracts in response to a user input to the remote pendant 60. Theslider 158 is coupled to the releasable linkage 152 and to the linearactuator 156.

The casters 33, 35 each include a stem 160, a hub 162, and a wheel 164as shown in FIG. 24. The stem 160 is coupled to the lower plate 53 ofone of the columns 24, 26. The hub 162 and the wheel 164 are coupled tothe stem 160 for pivotable movement about a vertical axis 166 so thatthe caster can change direction relative to the base 31. The wheel 64 iscoupled to the hub 162 for rotation about a horizontal axis 168 so thatthe casters 33, 35 can roll along the floor 16. In the illustrativeembodiment, the casters 33, 35 are each of a type described in U.S. Pat.No. 7,506,404, herein incorporated by reference, and are available fromTENTE USA.

Each of the four casters 33, 35 also include a braking element 170 showndiagrammatically in FIGS. 25A, 26A, 27A, and 28A. The braking element170 is movable between a disengaged and an engaged configuration. In thedisengaged configuration, the braking element 170 allows pivoting of thehub 162 and the wheel 164 about the vertical axis 166 and allowsrotation of the wheel 164 about the horizontal axis 168. In the engagedconfiguration, the braking element 170 blocks pivoting of the hub 162and the wheel 164 about the vertical axis 166 and blocks rotation of thewheel 164 about the horizontal axis 168, thereby completely immobilizingthe casters 33, 35. Unlike the prior art in which only one caster iscompletely immobilized to provide a steer mode or to resist somemovement of a patient support in a brake mode, when the casters 33, 35of the braking system 50 are driven to the braked configuration, thebraking elements 170 of all four casters 33, 35 are engaged toimmobilize the casters 33, 35. The immobilization of the casters 33, 35prevents movement of the patient support apparatus 10 relative to thefloor 16 during surgery. To move the braking elements 170 of the casters33, 35 between the disengaged and the engaged configuration, a dowel 173extending into the stem 160 is rotated. The dowel 173 has at least oneflat side and is hexagonal in the illustrative embodiment.

The releasable linkage 152 is configured to convert linear motion fromthe brake drive 150 into rotation of the dowels 173 so that the brakingsystem 50 is driven between the unbraked and the braked configuration assuggested in FIGS. 25 and 26. The releasable linkage 152 is alsoconfigured to manually release the casters 33, 35 from the brake drive150 and to move the braking elements 170 of the casters 33, 35 from theengaged configuration to the disengaged configuration so that thebraking system is in the released-and-unbraked configuration when a usermanually releases the linkage 152 as suggested in FIGS. 27 and 28.

The releasable linkage 152 includes a release assembly 172, a rodassembly 174, and a pair of pivot connectors 176 connected at opposingends of the rod assembly 174 as shown in FIG. 23. The release assembly172 is coupled to the slider 158 of the brake drive 150 and transfersmotion of the brake drive 150 to the rod assembly 174 as shown in FIG.23. The rod assembly 174 extends through the mount block 154 and alongthe base 31. The pivot connectors 176 couple the rod assembly 174 to thedowels 173 and are configured to convert linear motion from the linearactuator 156 to rotating motion so that the dowels 173 are turned andthe braking elements 170 of the casters 33, 35 are moved between thedisengaged and the engaged configurations.

The release assembly 172 includes a handle 178 and a plate 180 as shownin FIG. 24. The handle 178 includes a support block 182, a plunger 184,and a biasing spring 186. The support block 182 is coupled to the mountblock 154 and supports the plunger 184 for sliding movementperpendicular to the rod assembly 174. The plunger 184 is configured tobe pulled out by a user to release the casters 33, 35 from the brakedconfiguration. The biasing spring 186 is configured to bias the plunger184 away from being pulled out.

The plate 180 is coupled to the slider 158 of the brake drive 150 forpivotable movement relative thereto about an axis 181 as shown in FIG.23. The plate 180 is formed to include a plunger slot 188 and a rod slot190. The plunger slot 188 receives the plunger 184 and allows theplunger to slide along the plunger slot 188. The rod slot 190 isillustratively L-shaped and receives a pin 192 included in the rodassembly 174.

The rod assembly 174 includes a shaft 194, the pin 192, a flange 196,and a biasing spring 198 as shown in FIG. 24. The shaft 194 extendsthrough the mount block 154 along the length of the base 31. The pin 192extends perpendicularly up from the shaft 194. The flange 196 extendsoutwardly from the shaft 194 and is spaced apart from the mount block154. The biasing spring 198 is configured to bias the releasable linkage152 so that the braking system 50 is moved from the braked configurationto the unbraked configuration when the plunger 184 is pulled out and thelinear actuator 156 of the brake drive 150 is extended.

Each of the pair of pivot connectors 176 includes an end cap 202 and apivot fork 204 as shown in FIG. 24. The end cap 202 is coupled to an endof the shaft 194. The pivot fork 204 is coupled to the end cap 202 forpivotable movement relative to the end cap 202 about an axis 205. Eachpivot fork 204 is also configured to receive the one of the dowels 173to turn the dowels 173 about an axis 175 in response to linear motion ofthe shaft 194 and the end caps 202 as shown in FIGS. 25A and 26A.

In powered operation, the braking system 50 is in the unbrakedconfiguration when the linear actuator 156 is in the retracted positionas shown in FIG. 25A. In response to a user input to remote pendant 60,the linear actuator 156 is extended as suggested by arrow 206 shown inFIG. 26A-C. When the linear actuator 156 is extended, the releasablelinkage 152 converts the linear motion of the actuator 156 to rotationof the dowels 173 about 30 degrees as suggested by angle α so that thebraking elements 170 are engaged and the casters 33, 35 are moved to thebraked configuration. The braking system 50 may be returned to theunbraked configuration by a user operating the remote pendant 60 toretract the linear actuator 156.

To manually release the casters 33, 35 from the brake drive 150 when thebrake system is in the braked configuration, a user pulls the plunger184 out as suggested by arrow 208 in FIG. 27A. In response to theplunger 184 being pulled out, the plate 180 pivots about the axis 181 sothat the pin 192 is moved to the long section of the slot 190 and theshaft 194 of the releasable linkage 152 is free to move relative to thebrake drive 150. When the linkage 152 is free to move relative to thebrake drive 150, the biasing spring 198 moves the shaft 194 of thelinkage 152 as suggested by arrow 210 in FIG. 28A so that the brakingelements 170 of the casters 33, 35 are disengaged and the braking system50 is moved to the released-and-unbraked configuration. The releasablelinkage 152 remains free to move relative to the brake drive 150 untilthe linear actuator 156 is retracted so that spring 186 pulls theplunger 184 back in, thereby linking the brake drive 150 and thereleasable linkage 152 so that the braking system 50 is in the unbrakedconfiguration as shown in FIG. 25A.

An alternative brake system 50′ for holding the patient supportapparatus in place on the floor 16 is shown in FIGS. 29-34 and includesa pair of brake drives 150′, a pair of caster sets 33′, 35′, and a pairof releasable linkages 152′. For ease of description, only one of eachpair of components is further described below. However, the followingdescription is applicable to each of the components included in thepair. The brake drive 150′ is configured to be coupled to the controller40 and is configured to drive the braking system 50′ between a brakedconfiguration and an unbraked configuration in response to a userturning rotary switch 86 as suggested by arrow 87 in FIG. 22. Thereleasable linkage 152′ is coupled between the brake drive 150′ and thecasters 33′, 35′. The releasable linkage is configured to allow a userto manually free the braking system 50′ to move to areleased-and-unbraked configuration. The manually achievedreleased-and-unbraked configuration allows a user to move the patientsupport apparatus 10 in case of a power failure, an emergency, or anequipment failure.

The brake drive 150′ includes a mount block 154′, a linear actuator156′, and a slider 158′ as shown in FIG. 30. The mount block 154′ iscoupled to a lower plate 53′, (similar to the lower plate 53 included inone of the columns 24, 26 described above). Mount block 154′ supportsthe linear actuator 156′ and the releasable linkage 152′. The linearactuator 156′ is coupled to the mount block 154′ by a bolt 159′ and isconfigured to extend and retract in response to a user input to theremote pendant 60. The slider 158′ is coupled to the releasable linkage152′ and to the linear actuator 156′ by a bolt 155′.

The casters 33′, 35′ each include a stem 160′, a hub 162′, and a wheel164′ as shown in FIG. 30. The stem 160′ is coupled to the lower plate53′. The hub 162′ and the wheel 164′ are coupled to the stem 160′ forpivotable movement about a vertical axis 166′ so that the caster canchange direction relative to the base 31′. The wheel 64′ is coupled tothe hub 162′ for rotation about a horizontal axis 168′ so that thecasters 33′, 35′ can roll. In the illustrative embodiment, the casters33′, 35′ are substantially similar to casters 33, 35 and are each of atype described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,506,404 available from TENTE USA.

Each of the four casters 33′, 35′ also include a braking element 170′housed inside stem 160′ as shown in FIG. 29. The braking element 170′ ismovable between a disengaged and an engaged configuration. In thedisengaged configuration, the braking element 170′ allows pivoting ofthe hub 162′ and the wheel 164′ about the vertical axis 166′ and allowsrotation of the wheel 164′ about the horizontal axis 168′. In theengaged configuration, the braking element 170′ blocks pivoting of thehub 162′ and the wheel 164′ about the vertical axis 166′ and blocksrotation of the wheel 164′ about the horizontal axis 168′, therebycompletely immobilizing the casters 33′, 35′. Unlike the prior art inwhich only one caster is completely immobilized to provide a steer modeor to resist some movement of a patient support in a brake mode, whenthe casters 33′, 35′ of the braking system 50′ are driven to the brakedconfiguration, the braking elements 170′ of all four casters 33′, 35′are engaged to immobilize the casters 33′, 35′. The immobilization ofthe casters 33′, 35′ prevents movement of the patient support apparatus10 during surgery. To move the braking elements 170′ of the casters 33′,35′ between the disengaged and the engaged configuration, a dowel 173′extending into the stem 160′ is rotated. The dowel 173′ has at least oneflat side and is hexagonal in the illustrative embodiment.

The releasable linkage 152′ is configured to convert linear motion fromthe brake drive 150′ into rotation of the dowels 173′ so that thebraking system 50′ is driven between the unbraked and the brakedconfiguration as suggested in FIGS. 31 and 32. The releasable linkage152′ is also configured to manually release the casters 33′, 35′ fromthe brake drive 150′ and to move the braking elements 170′ of thecasters 33′, 35′ from the engaged configuration to the disengagedconfiguration so that the braking system is in the released-and-unbrakedconfiguration when a user manually releases the linkage 152′ assuggested in FIGS. 33 and 34.

The releasable linkage 152′ includes a release assembly 172′, a rodassembly 174′, and a pair of pivot connectors 176′ connected at opposingends of the rod assembly 174′ as shown in FIG. 30. The release assembly172′ is coupled to the slider 158′ of the brake drive 150′ and transfersmotion of the brake drive 150′ to the rod assembly 174′ as shown in FIG.32. The rod assembly 174′ extends through the mount block 154′ and alongthe base 31′. The pivot connectors 176′ couple the rod assembly 174′ tothe dowels 173′ and are configured to convert linear motion from thelinear actuator 156′ to rotating motion so that the dowels 173′ areturned and the braking elements 170′ of the casters 33′, 35′ are movedbetween the disengaged and the engaged configurations.

The release assembly 172′ is configured to selectively transfer motionof the brake drive 150′ to the rod assembly 174′. The release assembly172′ includes a handle 178′, a link member 179′, and a plate 180′. Thehandle 178′ is configured to be pulled by a user to disconnect the brakedrive 150′ and the rod assembly 174′ so that the brake system 50′ ismoved to the unbraked configuration. The link member 179′ extendsbetween the handle 178′ and the plate 180′. The plate 180′ is coupled tothe slider 158′ and moves between a first position transferring motionof the brake drive 150′ to the rod assembly 174′ and a second positionreleasing the brake drive 150′ from the rod assembly 174′.

The rod assembly 174′ includes a shaft 194′, a flange 196′, and abiasing spring 198′ as shown in FIG. 30. The shaft 194′ extends throughthe mount block 154′ along the length of the base 31′. The flange 196′extends outwardly from the shaft 194′ and is spaced apart from the mountblock 154′. The biasing spring 198′ is configured to bias the releasablelinkage 152′ so that the braking system 50′ is moved from the brakedconfiguration to the unbraked configuration when the handle 178′ ispulled out and the linear actuator 156′ of the brake drive 150′ isextended.

The handle 178′ includes a grip 182′ and a rod 184′ as shown in FIG. 29.The grip 182 is a T-shape grip configured to be pulled by a user. Therod 184′ extends from the grip 182′ to the link member 179′.

The link member 179′ is coupled to the block 158′ for pivotable movementabout a link axis 181′ as shown in FIG. 29. The link member 179′ is alsocoupled to the plate 180′ so that the plate 180′ moves between the firstand second positions when the link member 179′ pivots. The link member179 is formed to include a rod slot 188′ sized to receive the rod 184′of the handle 178′ so that the rod 184′ can slide along the plate 180′when a user pulls on the grip 182′.

The plate 180′ is received in a slot 195′ formed in the slider 158′ andis blocked from being removed by a bolt 199′. The plate 190′ configuredto slide between the first position and the second position when thelink member 179′ pivots. The plate 180′ is formed to include a hole 192′with a first section 191′ sized to engage the shaft 194′ of the rodassembly 174′ and a second section 193′ sized to allow the shaft 914 ofthe rod assembly 174′ to slide past the plate 180′. The plate 180′ isbiased to the first position by a spring 185′.

In powered operation, the braking system 50′ is in the unbrakedconfiguration when the linear actuator 156′ is in the retracted positionas shown in FIG. 31. In response to a user input to rotary switch 86,the linear actuator 156′ is extended as shown in FIG. 32. When thelinear actuator 156′ is extended, the releasable linkage 152′ convertsthe linear motion of the actuator 156′ to rotation of the dowels 173′about 30 degrees so that the braking elements 170′ are engaged and thecasters 33′, 35′ are moved to the braked configuration. The brakingsystem 50′ may be returned to the unbraked configuration by a useroperating the remote pendant 60 to retract the linear actuator 156′.

To manually release the casters 33′, 35′ from the brake drive 150′ whenthe brake system is in the braked configuration, a user pulls the grip182′ out as suggested in FIG. 33. In response to the grip 182′ beingpulled out, the plate 180′ pivots about the axis 183′ so that the plate180′ is moved to the second position and the shaft 194′ of thereleasable linkage 152′ is free to move relative to the plate 180′ andthe brake drive 150′. When the linkage 152′ is free to move relative tothe brake drive 150′, the biasing spring 198′ moves the shaft 194′ ofthe linkage 152′ as shown in FIG. 34 so that the braking elements 170′of the casters 33′, 35′ are disengaged and the braking system 50′ ismoved to the released-and-unbraked configuration. The releasable linkage152′ remains free to move relative to the brake drive 150′ until thelinear actuator 156′ is retracted so that the grip 182′ is pulled backin, thereby linking the brake drive 150′ and the releasable linkage 152′so that the braking system 50′ is in the unbraked configuration as shownin FIG. 31.

Another alternative brake system 50″ is shown in FIGS. 35 and 36 for usewith the foundation frame 12. The brake system 50″ includes a left brakeleg 154″, a right brake leg 155″, and an actuator 156″ all coupled tothe base 31 of the first column 24. The brake system 50″ also includes aleft brake leg (not shown), a right brake leg (not shown), and anactuator (not shown) coupled to the base 31 of the second column 26 thatare substantially similar to brake legs 154″, 155″ and actuator 156″.The left brake leg 154″ and the right brake leg 155″ are spaced apartfrom and located between the left caster 33″ and the right caster 35″ ofthe first column 24 as shown in FIGS. 35 and 36.

Each brake leg 154″, 155″ includes a sleeve 158″ and a plunger 160″received in the sleeve 158″. The plungers 160″ are configured to movebetween an extended position shown in FIG. 35 and a retracted positionshown in FIG. 36. When the plungers 60″ are in the extended position,the braking system 50″ is braked and the plungers 160″ engage the floor16 underlying the patient support 10 to lift the casters 33″, 35″ awayfrom the floor 16. When the casters 33″,35″ are out of contact with thefloor 16, the left caster 33″ and the right caster 35″ are preventedfrom rolling along the floor 16. When the plungers 60″ are in theretracted position, the braking system 50″ is unbraked and the plungers60″ disengage the floor 16 so that the casters 33″, 35″ contact thefloor 16 and are free to roll along the floor 16. The actuator 156″extends or retracts the plungers 160″ in response to a user input torotary switch 86.

Additionally, the brake system 50″ includes a releasable linkage (notshown) coupled between the plungers 160″ and the actuator 156″. Thelinkage (not shown) is configured to disconnect the plungers 160″ fromthe actuator 156″ when the plungers 160″ are in the extended position inresponse to a user pulling a handle 178″. The plungers 160″ are biasedtoward the retracted position when the plungers 160″ are disconnectedfrom the actuator 156″.

Another alternative braking system 50′″ is shown in FIGS. 37 and 38 foruse with foundation frame 12. The braking system 50′″ is substantiallysimilar to the braking system 50″ described herein and similar referencenumbers reflect similar components. However, the location of the leftleg 154′″ and the right leg 155′″ included in the braking system 50′″ isdifferent from the location of the left leg 154″ and the right leg 155″in the braking system 50″.

Specifically, the left leg 154′″ integrated with a left caster 333′″ andthe right plunger 156′″ is integrated with a right caster 335′″ as shownin FIGS. 37 and 38. The sleeve 158′″ of left and right legs 154′″ form astem of the casters 333′″, 335′″. Each caster 333′″ and 335′″ includewheels 164L and 164R coupled to the sleeves 158′″ of the legs 154′″,156′″ for rotation about the legs 154′″, 156′″. Thus legs 154′″ and156′″, including plungers 160′″, are located between the wheels 164L,164R as shown in FIGS. 37 and 38.

Yet another alternative brake system 50″″ is shown in FIGS. 39 and 40for use with the foundation frame 12. The brake system 50″″ includes aleft ring 154″″, a right ring 155″″, and an actuator 156″″ all coupledto the base 31 of the first column 24. The brake system 50″″ alsoincludes a left ring (not shown), a right ring (not shown), and anactuator (not shown) coupled to the base 31 of the second column 26 thatare substantially similar to rings 154″″, 155″″ and actuator 156″″.

The left ring 154″″ and the right ring 155″″ are coupled to the base 31for movement between lowered position shown in FIG. 39 and a raisedposition shown in FIG. 40. In the lowered position, the braking system50″″ is braked and the rings 154″″, 155″″ engage the wheels of thecasters 33″″, 35″″ to block the casters from rotating or rolling alongthe floor 16. In the raised position, the braking system 50′ is unbrakedand the rings 154″″, 155″″ disengage the wheels of the casters 33″″,35″″ to allow the casters to rotate or roll along the floor 16. Theactuator 156″ raises or lowers the rings 154″″, 155″″ in response to auser input to rotary switch 86.

Additionally, the brake system 50″″ includes a releasable linkage (notshown) coupled between the rings 154″″, 155″″ and the actuator 156″″.The linkage (not shown) is configured to disconnect the rings 154″″,155″″ from the actuator 156″″ when the rings 154″″, 155″″ are in thelowered position in response to a user pulling a handle 178″″. The rings154″″, 155″″ are biased toward the raised position when the rings 154″″,155″″ are disconnected from the actuator 156″.

The patient support top 14 is dynamically coupled to the foundationframe 12 so that the patient support top 14 can move in response toreconfiguration of the foundation frame 12. The patient support top 14includes a first rail 214, a second rail 216, a pair of cross beams 219located at either end of the first rail 214 and the second rail 216, andtwo motion couplers 218 each coupled to a cross beam 219 as shown inFIG. 16. The first rail 214 and the second rail 216 are spaced apart andextend parallel to one another. The cross beams 219 extend from thefirst rail 214 to the second rail 216 to establish a support frame 225upon which a surgical patient is supported. The motion couplers 218 arecoupled to the support frame 225 and to the foundation frame 12 (by theyoke bracket 20) to allow movement of the support frame 225 about ahorizontal axis 215 relative to the foundation frame 12, for instance,in response to reconfiguration of the rotation system 46 and/or the liftsystem 48 of the foundation frame 12. In addition, the motion couplers218 allow sliding and shifting of the support frame 225 relative to thefoundation frame 12 as suggested in FIGS. 43 and 44.

As shown in FIGS. 41 and 42, the first and second rails 214, 216 areillustratively square tubes formed from carbon fiber but in otherembodiments may be other shapes or materials. The first rail 214includes a number of indicator lines 222 marked perpendicular to thelength of the rail 214. The second rail 216 also includes a number ofindicator lines 224 marked perpendicular to the length of the rail 216.The indicator lines 224 of the second rail 216 correspond to theindicator lines 222 of the first rail 214 so that a user can gagerelative position along the rails 214, 216 of accessories attached tothe rails 214, 216. In the illustrative embodiment, each indicator line222, 224 are evenly spaced about one inch apart but in other embodimentsmay be unevenly distributed to indicate likely positions for differenttypes of accessories. In other embodiments, other indicators such asnumbers, letters, dots, or another suitable indicator may be markedalong the rails 214, 216. The cross beam 219 extends from the first rail214 to the second rail 216 and is coupled to the first rail 214 and tothe second rail 216 by a number of pins 211 and screws 213.

Each motion coupler 218 includes a connector 220 and a joint 221 asshown in FIG. 42. The connector 220 is configured to be coupled to theyoke bracket 20 and foundation frame 12 for rotation about thehorizontal pivot axis 215. The connector 220 is coupled to the yokebracket 20 by a small-knob pin 217. The joint 221 is coupled to theconnector 220 and to the cross beam 219.

The joint 221 includes an arm 230, a first resilient bumper 232, asecond resilient bumper 234, and an arm retainer 236 as shown in FIG.42. The arm 230 extends from the connector and into a beam slot 238formed in the cross beam 219. The slot 238 extends substantiallyparallel to the longitudinal axis of the cross beam 219. The bumpers232, 234 locate the arm 230 in the beam slot 238 and allow the arm 230to slide and shift in the beam slot 238 as the bumpers 232, 234 areresiliently deformed and expanded. The arm retainer 236 is configured toresist the arm 230 from being pulled out of the beam slot 238.

The first resilient bumper 232 is situated along a first side 238L ofthe beam slot 238. The second resilient bumper 234 is situated along asecond side 238R, opposite the first side 238L, of the beam slot 238. Inthe illustrative embodiment, the first resilient bumper 232 and thesecond resilient bumper 234 are formed from rubber. In otherembodiments, the bumpers 232, 234 are formed from another resilientmaterial.

The arm retainer 236 includes a retainer pin 240 extending through anarm slot 242 formed in the arm and a pair of springs 244 extending fromthe retainer pin 240 to the arm 230. The retainer pin 240 extendshorizontally along the slot 238 and is secured in the slot 238 by a pairof screws 250. The arm retainer 236 also includes a cover plate 246 thatis coupled to the cross beam 219 by screws 248 to cover a side 249 ofthe slot 238 facing the rails 214, 216 as shown in FIG. 42.

The joint 221 of the illustrative embodiment also includes alow-friction pad or bushing 239 coupled to the arm 230 as shown in FIG.42. The low-friction pad 239 to reduce abrasion of the arm 230 duringsliding and shifting of the motion couplers 218 relative to the crossbeams 219 of the support frame 225. The low-friction pad isillustratively made from brass but may be made from other low-frictionmaterials.

The motion coupler 218 of the support top 14 cooperates with the yokebracket 20 to form an offset connector 252 for coupling the support top14 at a distance from the axis 22 of support top rotation as shown inFIG. 42. In addition to the motion coupler 218 and the yoke bracket 20,the offset connector 252 includes the small-knob pin 217 and alarge-knob pin 255. The small-knob pin 217 has a handle 256 coloredgreen with a round shape and is configured to couple the motion coupler218 to the yoke bracket. The large-knob pin 255 has a handle 258 coloredred with an oblong cross-section and is configured to couple the yokebracket 20 to the foundation frame 12. By using differently shaped andcolored handles 256, 258 a user can be sure they are pulling the correctpin 217, 255 when adjusting the connection between the foundation frame12 and the support top 14.

The yoke brackets 20, sometimes called “H” brackets, are coupled betweenthe foundation frame 12 and the patient support top 14 as shown inFIG. 1. Each yoke bracket 20 includes a base member 260, a left couplingmember 262, and a right coupling member 264 spaced apart from the leftcoupling member 262 as shown in FIG. 45. The left coupling member 262 iscoupled to the base member 260 and extends substantially perpendicularto the base member 260. The right coupling member 264 is coupled to thebase member 260 and extends substantially perpendicularly to the basemember 260.

Both the left and the right coupling members 262, 264 of the yokebracket 20 are formed to include a number of attachment holes 266, acoupling hole 267, a retainer slot 275, and a resistance divot 277. Theattachment holes 266 are used to attach the support top 14 to the yokebracket 20. The coupling hole 267 is used to secure the yoke bracket 20to a connection block 283 included in the foundation frame 12. Theretainer slot 275 is used to retain attachment of the yoke bracket 20 tothe foundation frame 12 when the large knob pin 255 is pulled out of theyoke brackets 20 so that a patient is not accidentally dropped during asurgery. The resistance divot 277 provides secondary retention meansthat resists movement of the yoke bracket 20 away from engagement withthe connection block 283 when the yoke bracket 20 is coupled to theconnection block 283 so that a patient is not accidentally droppedduring a surgery.

The attachment holes 266 and the coupling hole 267 extend throughbetween inner surfaces 268 and outer surfaces 270 of the couplingmembers 262, 264. The attachment holes 266 extend parallel to the basemember 260 through the left and the right coupling members 262, 264 andare arranged in a line perpendicular to the base member 260. Each of theleft and the right coupling members 262, 264 includes numerical markings271 associating each pair of corresponding attachment holes. In otherembodiments, the numerical markings may be alphabetical characters orother indicators allowing a user to identify corresponding holes 266 inthe left and the right coupling members 262, 264. The coupling holes 267are spaced apart from the base member 260 and are arranged out ofalignment with the attachment holes 266.

The retainer slots 275 are configured to receive retainer pegs 281included in connection block 283. The retainer slot 275 extends in fromthe inner surface 268 toward the outer surface 270 of the couplingmembers 262, 264. The retainer slots 275 are situated near the couplinghole 267.

The resistance divots 277 extend down from a top surface 279 of eachcoupling member 262, 264. Each resistance divot 277 receives aspring-loaded ball 287 coupled to coupler block 283 when the yokebracket 20 is mounted on the connector block 283. When the resistancedivot 277 receives the spring-loaded ball 287, light resistance to theremoval of yoke bracket 20 from connector block 283 is applied byspring-loaded ball 287.

Each yoke bracket 20 also includes a left ledge 272 and a right ledge274 as shown in FIG. 45. The ledges 272, 274 are configured to ensurethat the patient support top 14 is properly coupled to the yoke bracket20 before a patient is placed on the patient support apparatus 10. Theleft ledge 272 extends from the left coupling member 262 toward theright coupling member 264 and is arranged along the inner surface 268 ofthe left coupling member 262. The right ledge 274 extends from the rightcoupling member 264 toward the left coupling member 262 and is arrangedalong the inner surface 268 of the right coupling member 264. The leftand the right ledges 272, 274 are formed to include a number of notches273, each notch 273 corresponding to and align with an attachment hole266 and each notch 273 extends into the ledge 272, 274 away from thecorresponding hole 266. The shape and location of the ledges 272, 274block a user from placing the connector 220 of the patient support top14 fully between the left and the right coupling members 262, 264 whenthe connector 220 is not aligned with a pair of corresponding couplerholes 266.

The yoke bracket 20 is mounted to the foundation frame 12 and couples tothe support top 14 to suspend the patient support top 14 from thefoundation frame 12. To mount the yoke bracket 20 to the connectionblock 283 of the foundation frame 12, a user lowers the yoke bracket 20toward the connector block 283 with the retainer slots 275 facingdownwardly as suggested by arrows 289 in FIG. 47. The user alignsretainer slots 275 with retainer pegs 281 as shown in FIG. 48. The yokebracket 20 is slid relative to connector block 283 as suggested by arrow291 in FIG. 48A so that the retainer pegs 281 are received in retainerslots 285. The yoke bracket 20 is pivoted about retainer pegs 281 assuggested by arrow 293 in FIG. 48A so that the coupling hole 267 of theyoke bracket 20 aligns with a securing hole 285 formed through connectorblock 283 as shown in FIG. 50A. The pin 258 is slid through the alignedcoupling hole 267 and securing hole 285 as suggested by arrow 295 tosecure the yoke bracket 20 to the connector block 283 as shown in FIG.51. The yoke bracket 20 and the connector block 283 are then pivotedabout the support top axis 22 as suggested by arrow 297 so that the yokebracket 20 is mounted to the foundation frame 12 for use in supporting apatient suspended from the foundation frame 12.

When the yoke bracket 20 is mounted to the connector block 283 of thefoundation frame 12, the yoke bracket 20 is retained in connection withthe connector block 283 of the foundation frame 12 by the retainer pegs281 as shown in FIG. 52. Specifically, the retainer pegs 281 received inretainer slots 275 maintain a double connection between the yoke bracket20 and the connector block 283 so that a patient supported by the yokebracket 20 may be safely supported by the yoke bracket 20. Even if auser were to accidentally pull the pin 258 out of the coupling hole 267and pivot the yoke bracket 20 about the retainer pegs 281, as suggestedby arrow 299 in FIG. 53, the yoke bracket 20 the connection between theyoke bracket 20 and the connector block 283 is maintained by retainerpegs 281 as shown in FIG. 53A. Thus, the configuration of the yokebracket 20 and the connector block 283 provide a safe support couplingbetween the foundation frame 12 and the patient support top 14.

A number of alternative yoke bracket and connector blocks are shown inFIGS. 54-68. A first alternative yoke bracket 1020 and a firstalternative connector block 1283 is shown in FIGS. 54-56. The yokebracket 1020 and the connector block 1283 are substantially similar tothe yoke bracket 20 and the connector block 283 described herein andsimilar reference numbers in the 1000 series indicate similar features.The yoke bracket 1020 includes a secondary retaining feature 1005 formaintaining the connection of the yoke bracket 1020 to the connectorblock 1283 once the yoke bracket 1020 is coupled to the connector block1283.

The secondary retaining feature 1005 includes a left spring-loaded ball1006 and a right spring-loaded ball 1007 as shown in FIG. 54. The leftspring-loaded ball 1006 is mounted in the left coupling member 1262 andextends outwardly from an interior surface of the left coupling member1262. The right spring-loaded ball 1007 is mounted in the right couplingmember 1264 and extends outwardly from an interior surface of the rightcoupling member 1264.

The left spring-loaded ball 1006 is sized to be received in a divot 1008formed in the connector block 1283 as suggested in FIGS. 56 and 57. Theright spring-loaded ball 1007 is sized to be received in a divot 1009formed in the connector block 1283.

The second retaining feature 1005 can be alternatively placed assuggested in phantom in FIGS. 54-56. Specifically, a left spring-loadedball 1006′ may be located in the retainer slot 1275 of the left couplingmember 1262 to be received in a divot 1008′ formed in the connectorblock 1283 as suggested in FIGS. 56 and 57. A right spring-loaded ball1007′ may be located in the retainer slot 1275 of the right couplingmember 1264 to be received in a divot 1009′ formed in the connectorblock. In such an embodiment, the divots 1008′ and 1009′ are formed inretainer pins 1281 of the connector block 1283. As would be understoodby one of ordinary skill in the art, the location of the spring loadedballs 1006, 1006′ and the location of the divots 1009, 1009′ may bereversed in other alternative embodiments.

A second alternative yoke bracket 2020 is shown in FIGS. 58 and 58A. Theyoke bracket 2020 is substantially similar to the yoke bracket 20described herein and similar reference numbers in the 2000 seriesindicate similar features. The yoke bracket 2020 includes a secondaryretaining feature 1005 for maintaining the connection of the yokebracket 2020 to the connector block 283 once the yoke bracket 2020 iscoupled to the connector block 283.

The secondary retaining feature 2005 includes a pair of spring-loadedballs 2006, 2007 extending into the retainer slots 2275 of the leftcoupling member 2262 and the right coupling member (not shown) assuggested in FIG. 58A. The spring-loaded balls 2006, 2007 are arrangedto contact the retaining pins 281 of the connector block 283 when theretaining pins 281 are slid into and out of the retainer slots 2275 ofthe yoke bracket 2020. Thus the spring-loaded balls 2006, 2007 resistboth coupling and decoupling of the yoke bracket 2020 from the connectorblock 283.

A third alternative yoke bracket 3020 is shown in FIGS. 59 and 59A. Theyoke bracket 3020 is substantially similar to the yoke bracket 20described herein and similar reference numbers in the 3000 seriesindicate similar features. The yoke bracket 3020 includes a secondaryretaining feature 3005 for maintaining the connection of the yokebracket 3020 to the connector block 283 once the yoke bracket 3020 iscoupled to the connector block 283.

The secondary retaining feature 3005 includes latch 3006 coupled to theleft coupling member 3262 and to the right coupling member (not shown).The latches move between a closed position, shown in FIGS. 59 and 59A,and an open position, shown in phantom in FIGS. 59 and 59A. In theclosed position, the latches 3006 block the retaining pins 281 fromsliding out of the retainer slots 3275 of the yoke bracket 3020. In theopen position, the latches 3006 block the retaining pins 281 fromsliding out of the retainer slots 3275 of the yoke bracket 3020.

A fourth alternative yoke bracket 4020 and an alternative connectorblock 4283 are shown in FIG. 60. The yoke bracket 4020 and connectorblock 4283 are substantially similar to the yoke bracket 20 andconnector block 283 described herein and similar reference numbers inthe 4000 series indicate similar features. The yoke bracket 4020includes a secondary retaining feature 4005 for maintaining theconnection of the yoke bracket 4020 to the connector block 4283 once theyoke bracket 4020 is coupled to the connector block 283.

The secondary retaining feature 4005 includes friction pads 4006 formedon the left coupling member 4262 and similarly on the right couplingmember (not shown). Specifically, the friction pads 4006 are formed on asidewall 4277 and a floor 4279 of the pin receiving slot 4275 includedin each coupling member 4262, 4264. The friction pads 4006 are arrangedto contact complementary friction pads 4008 formed on the retainer pins4281 of the connector block 4283. Each friction pad 4006, 4008 can beformed by knurling the yoke bracket 4020 and the connector block 4283 orby coupling high friction sheets to the yoke bracket 4020 and theconnector block 4283.

The secondary retaining feature 4005 can be alternatively placed asshown in FIG. 61 and in FIGS. 62A and 62B. Specifically, friction pads4006′ can be coupled to a yoke bracket 4020′ along a top surface of eachof the coupling members 4262′, 4264′ as shown in FIG. 61. In suchembodiments, a friction pad 4008′ can be formed on surfaces of theconnector block 4283′ arranged to contact the top surface of thecoupling members 4262′, 4264′ when the yoke bracket 4020′ is coupled tothe connector block 4283′. Additionally, friction pads 4006″ can becoupled to a yoke bracket 4020″ along an interior surface 4268″ of eachof the coupling members 4262″, 4264″ as shown in FIG. 62A. In suchembodiments, a friction pad 4008″ can be formed on surfaces of theconnector block 4283″ arranged to contact the interior surface of thecoupling members 4262″, 4264″ when the yoke bracket 4020″ is coupled tothe connector block 4283″.

A fifth alternative yoke bracket 5020 and an alternative connector block5283 are shown in FIGS. 63 and 63A. The yoke bracket 5020 and connectorblock 5283 are substantially similar to the yoke bracket 20 andconnector block 283 described herein and similar reference numbers inthe 5000 series indicate similar features. The yoke bracket 5020includes a secondary retaining feature 5005 for maintaining theconnection of the yoke bracket 5020 to the connector block 5283 once theyoke bracket 5020 is coupled to the connector block 5283.

The secondary retaining feature 5005 includes a divot 5006 formed in theledge 5272. The divot 5006 is sized and arranged to receive aspring-loaded ball 5007 included in the connector block 5283 as shown inFIG. 63A.

A sixth alternative yoke bracket 6020 and an alternative connector block6283 are shown in FIGS. 64 and 64A. The yoke bracket 6020 and connectorblock 6283 are substantially similar to the yoke bracket 20 andconnector block 283 described herein and similar reference numbers inthe 6000 series indicate similar features. A secondary retaining feature6005 is included in the connector block 6283 for maintaining theconnection of the yoke bracket 6020 to the connector block 6283 once theyoke bracket 6020 is coupled to the connector block 6283.

The secondary retaining feature 6005 includes a latch 6006 coupled tothe connector block 6283 to pivot about an axis 6006A as shown in FIG.64A. The latch 6006 moves from an open position to a closed position bypivoting about axis 6006A as suggested by arrow 6007 in FIG. 64A. In theclosed position, the latch 6006 blocks the ledge 6272 from moving awayfrom the connector block 6283.

A seventh alternative yoke bracket 7020 and an alternative connectorblock 7283 are shown in FIGS. 65, 65A, and 65B. The yoke bracket 7020and connector block 7283 are substantially similar to the yoke bracket20 and connector block 283 described herein and similar referencenumbers in the 7000 series indicate similar features. Unlike yokebracket 20, yoke bracket 7020 includes coupling members 7262, 7264 eachformed to include recesses 7265 opposite of base member 7260. Recesses7265 are configured to receive T-shaped extensions 7269 included in theconnector block 7283 when the yoke bracket 7020 is coupled to theconnector block 7283. Recesses 7265 are sized to cooperate with theT-shaped extensions 7269 so that an outer surface 7911 of each couplingmember 7262, 7264 is flush with an outer surface 72912 of the T-shapedextensions 7269 as shown in FIGS. 65A and 65B.

An eighth alternative yoke bracket 8020 and is shown in FIGS. 66 and 67.The yoke bracket 8020 is substantially similar to the yoke bracket 20described herein and similar reference numbers in the 8000 seriesindicate similar features. Unlike yoke bracket 20, yoke bracket 8020 isformed to include a pair of peg receiving slots 8275 that extendsthrough the left and the right coupling members 8262, 8264.

A ninth alternative yoke bracket 9020 and an alternative connector block9283 are shown in FIGS. 68 and 68A. The yoke bracket 9020 and connectorblock 9283 are substantially similar to the yoke bracket 20 andconnector block 283 described herein and similar reference numbers inthe 9000 series indicate similar features. A secondary retaining feature9005 is included in the connector block 9283 for maintaining theconnection of the yoke bracket 9020 to the connector block 9283 once theyoke bracket 9020 is coupled to the connector block 9283.

The secondary retaining feature 9005 includes a peg-recess pocket 9006formed in each of the peg-receiving slots 9275 included in the couplingmembers 9262, 9264. The peg-recess pockets 9006 extend into a floor 9298of the retainer slots 9275. The peg-recess pocket 9006 is configured toreceive a spring-loaded retainer peg 9281 included in the connectorblock 9283. The peg-recess pockets 9006 cooperate with the floors 9298to form a cam surface that guides the retainer pegs 9281 to slide into aconnector-block body 9299 during coupling of the yoke bracket 9020 andthe connector block 9283. When the spring-loaded retainer pegs 9281 arereceived in the peg-recess pockets 9006, the spring-loaded retainer pegs9281 resist removal of the yoke bracket 9020 from the connector block9283.

An alternative patient support top 312 for supporting a patient in asupine position (face up) is shown in FIGS. 69 and 70. The support top314 includes a support plank 325 and a motion coupler 318 at both endsof the support plank 325. The support plank 325 includes a first rail314, a second rail 316, a panel 317, and cross beams 319. The first rail314 and the second rail 316 are spaced apart and extend parallel to oneanother. Each rail 314, 316 is square in shape. The panel 317interconnects the first rail and the second rail 314, 316 so that therails 314, 316 and the panel 317 align to form a flat top surface 320 ofthe support top 314 for supporting a patient in a supine position. Therails 314, 316 extend down below the panel 317 as shown in FIGS. 69 and70. The motion coupler 318 allows for movement of the support plank 325relative to the foundation frame 12. Also, the cross beam 319 includes apair of handles 330 for transporting the support top 314.

The first rail 314, the second rail 316, and the panel 317 cooperate toform a monolithic table top 232 as shown wherein layers of carbon fibercomposite are arranged to form the table top 232 as shown, for example,in FIG. 70. The panel 317 is formed around a core 235 illustrativelyformed from foam as shown in FIG. 70. In other embodiments, the core 235may be formed from wood, plastics, or another material. The motioncoupler 318 is substantially similar to the motion coupler 218 describedabove.

Another alternative patient support top 14′ is shown in FIGS. 71-73. Thesupport top 14′ is substantially similar to the support top 14 describedherein and similar reference numbers indicate similar features. Thesupport top 14′ includes a support frame 225′ and two motion couplers218′ as shown in FIG. 71. The support frame 225′ includes a first rail214′, a second rail 216′, a pair of cross beams 219′ located at eitherend of the first rail 214′ and the second rail 216′. The motion couplers218′ are coupled to the support frame 225′ to allow movement of thesupport frame 225′ about a horizontal axis 215′ relative to thefoundation frame 12, for instance, in response to reconfiguration of therotation system 46 and/or the lift system 48 of the foundation frame 12.In addition, the motion couplers 218′ allow sliding and shifting of thesupport frame 225′ relative to the foundation frame 12.

Each motion coupler 218′ includes a connector 220′ and a joint 221′ asshown in FIG. 71. The connector 220′ is configured to be coupled to theyoke bracket 20 and foundation frame 12 for rotation about thehorizontal pivot axis 215′. The joint 221′ is coupled to the connector220′ and to the cross beam 219′ of the support frame 225′.

The joint 221′ includes an arm 230′, a first resilient bumper 232′, asecond resilient bumper 234′, and an arm retainer 236′ as shown in FIGS.71-73. The arm 230′ is illustratively twisted and extends from theconnector and into a beam slot 238′ formed in the cross beam 219′. Thebeam slot 238′ extends at an angle α (illustratively about 5 degrees) tothe longitudinal axis of the cross beam 219′ so that the support frame225′ slides and shifts relative to the foundation frame 12 in a planethat is angled relative to the axis 215′ as suggested in FIG. 71. Thus,any axis perpendicular to the axis 215′ is not substantiallyperpendicular to plane in which the arm 230′ slides and shifts. Thebumpers 232′, 234′ locate the arm 230′ in the beam slot 238′ and allowthe arm 230′ to slide and shift in the beam slot 238′ as the bumpers232′, 234′ are resiliently deformed and expanded. The arm retainer 236′extends parallel to the beam slot 238′ and is configured to resist thearm 230′ from being pulled out of the beam slot 238′.

The patient support apparatus 10 further includes a number of accessorycushions 350 coupled to the patient support top 14 as shown in FIG. 1.The accessory cushions 350 are configured to support a patient in aprone position (face down) lying on the patient support apparatus 10.Each accessory cushion 350 includes a pad 352 and a rail coupler 354 forcoupling the pad 352 to the rails 214, 216 of the support top 14.

The rail coupler 354 is configured to clamp on to the rails 214, 216 ofthe support top 14, as shown in FIG. 74, in order to hold the pads 352in place along the rails 214, 216. In other embodiments, supports anddevices other than prone pads may be coupled to a rail by the railcoupler 354. Examples of other supports or devices include other pads,linkages, IV poles, monitors, instrument trays, lights, tractiondevices, or any other item or part useful around the time of surgery orfor supporting a patient.

The rail coupler 354 includes a bracket 360, a flap 362, and pivot pin364 as shown in FIG. 75. The bracket 360 is configured to receive a rail214, 216 and to be coupled to the pad 352. The flap 362 is coupled tothe bracket 360 for pivotable movement about an axis 366 and forslidable movement along the axis 366. The pivot pin 364 couples the flap362 to the bracket 360 and defines the axis 366.

The bracket 360 includes an upper jaw 370, a lower jaw 372, and acoupling plate 374 as shown in FIG. 75. The upper jaw 370 and the lowerjaw 372 are interconnected by a rear wall 378 and cooperate with therear wall 378 to define a rail opening 376 such that the rear wall 378extends behind the rail opening 376. The coupling plate 374 isconfigured to be coupled to the pad 352. In other embodiments, thecoupling plate 374 may be coupled to a number of different patientsupport pads or other surgical rail accessories.

The upper jaw 370 is formed to include a top wall 380, a left eyelet382, and a right eyelet 384 as shown in FIG. 75. The top wall 380extends away from the rear wall 378 over the rail opening 376. The lefteyelet 382 is situated at a left side 380L of the top wall 380 and isconfigured to receive the pivot pin 364. The right eyelet 384 issituated at a right side 380R of the top wall 380 and is configured toreceive the pivot pin 364.

The lower jaw 372 is formed to include a bottom wall 388, a lip 390, aleft headed post 392, and a right headed post 394 as shown in FIG. 75.The bottom wall 388 is coupled to the coupling plate 374 and extendsunder the rail opening 376. The lip 390 is coupled to the bottom wall388 and extends over a portion of the front of the rail opening 376. Theleft headed post 392 and the right headed post 394 are coupled to thelip 390.

Each headed post 392, 394 includes a shaft 396 and a head 398 extendingout from the shaft 396. Each head 398 is chamfered around the edges.Additionally, a center 393 of each headed post 392, 394 is spaced adistance d1 from the axis 366 as shown in FIG. 74.

The flap 362 is configured to clamp the rail 214, 216 to the bracket 360and is formed to include an eyelet 400, a left post opening 402, a rightpost opening 404, and a handle 406 as shown in FIG. 75. The eyelet 400is sized to receive the pivot pin 364. The left and the right postopenings 402, 404 are configured to receive the headed posts 392, 394 ofthe bracket 360 when the rail 214, 216 is clamped to the bracket 360.

The left and the right post openings 402, 404 are each formed to includea first section 408 and a second section 410. The first section 408 issized to allow the head 398 of each headed post 392, 394 to be receivedin the post openings 402, 404. The second section 410 is sized to blockthe head 398 of each headed post 392, 394 from being withdrawn from thepost openings 402, 404. Additionally, the second section 410 of the postopenings 402, 404 has a center line 411 spaced a distance d2 from theaxis 366 as shown in FIG. 74.

The pivot pin 364 includes a shaft 412, an unlocked indicator 414 markedon the shaft 412, and a locked indicator 416 marked on the shaft 412 asshown in FIG. 75. The unlocked indictor 414 is illustratively a redmarking indicating that the bracket 260 is not clamped to the rail 214,216. The locked indicator 416 is illustratively a green markingindicating that the bracket 260 is clamped to the rail 214, 216. Inother embodiments, the indicators 414, 416 may be other colors, words,symbols, knurled patterns, or other suitable indicators.

In operation, the flap 262 is configured to pivot between an openposition (shown in FIGS. 76-77) and a closed position (shown in FIGS.78-79). Following movement to the closed position, the flap 262 isconfigured to slide from the closed position to a clamped position(shown in FIGS. 80-81). When the flap 262 is in the open position, theflap 262 is pivoted away from the opening 276 so that the rails 214, 216can be inserted into the opening 276 and the headed posts 392, 394 arewithdrawn from the post openings 402, 404. In the closed position, theflap 262 is pivoted toward the opening 276 so that the rails 214, 216are blocked from moving out of the opening 276 and the headed posts 392,394 are received in the first sections 408 of the post openings 402,404. In the clamped position, the flap 262 is slid relative to thebracket 360 so that the headed posts 392, 394 are received in the secondsections 410 of the post openings 402, 404.

The distance d1, between the a center 393 of each headed post 392, 394and the axis 366, is greater than the distance d2, between the centerline 411 of the second section 410 of the post openings 402, 404 and theaxis 366, when the flap is in the closed position as shown in FIGS. 78and 79. However, the distance d1 is reduced to be about equal to thedistance d2 when the flap 262 is moved to the clamped position as shownin FIGS. 80 and 81 since the headed posts 392, 394 are encouraged towardthe centerline 403 of the second section 410 of the post openings 402,404. The lower jaw 372 is moved toward the upper jaw 370 in response tothe reduction of distance d2 as suggested by arrow 420 in FIG. 81. Thus,the rail 214, 216 in the opening 376 is clamped in the rail coupler 354when the flap is moved to the clamped position.

The unlocked indicator 414 is displayed (exposed) when the flap is ineither the open or closed position and is covered (hidden) when the flapis slid to the clamped position as shown in FIG. 78. The lockedindicator 416 is displayed (exposed) when the flap is in the clampedposition and is covered (hidden) when the flap is slid to either theopen or closed position as shown in FIG. 80. Thus a user is visuallyinformed of the configuration of the rail coupler 354.

One alterative flap 362′ is shown in FIG. 82 and is formed to includealternative post openings 402′, 404′. The post openings 402′, 404′ aresubstantially rectangular and include a triangular protrusion 401′locating the center line of the second section 410′ of the openings402′, 404′. Another alterative flap 362″ is shown in FIG. 83 and isformed to include alternative post openings 402′, 404′.

An alternative rail coupler 354′″ for use with a triangular rail isshown in FIG. 84. The alternative rail coupler 354′″ is substantiallysimilar to rail coupler 354 and similar reference numbers indicatesimilar structure. However, alternative rail coupler 354′″ does notinclude a rear wall 378 so that rail opening 376′″ is triangular inshape to receive a triangular rail.

Another alternative rail coupler 354″″ is shown in FIG. 85. Thealternative rail coupler 354″″ is substantially similar to rail coupler354 and similar reference numbers indicate similar structure. However,the coupling plate 374″″ of rail coupler 354″″ is slidably removablefrom the rest of the bracket 360″″ as suggested by arrow 421 so thatdifferent pads or accessories may be coupled to the rest of the bracket360″″. Additionally, the headed posts 392″″, 394″″ are coupled to theflap 362″″ and the post openings (not shown) are formed in the bracket360″″.

The control system 30 of the patient support apparatus 10 also includesan angle sensor 446, a pair of height sensors 448, a pair of brakesensors 450, and a communications interface 452 each in communicationwith the controller 40 as shown in FIG. 2. The angle sensor 446 isincluded in the rotation system 46 and is configured to detect the angleof the support top 14 relative to the ground. The height sensors 448 areincluded in the lift system 48 and are configured to detect the heightof either end of the support top 14 as a function of the amount of liftapplied to the columns 24, 26. The brake sensors 450 are included in thebrake system 50 and are configured to detect the position of thereleasable linkages 152 to determine the braking status of the casters33, 35.

In some embodiments, the communications interface 452 of the patientsupport apparatus 10 communicates with a remote computer device 460 viacommunication infrastructure 462 such as an Ethernet of a healthcarefacility in which the patient support 10 is located and viacommunication links 464, 466 as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 86. Thecomputer device 460 is sometimes simply referred to as a “computer”herein. Computer 460 may be part of a surgical computer system, amaintenance computer system, or an electronic medical records (EMR)system, for example. However, it is within the scope of this disclosurefor the communication interface 452 of the patient support 10 tocommunicate with other computers used in a healthcare facility.

In the illustrative embodiments, the communication interface 452 (orport) provides bi-directional communication with the communicationinfrastructure 462 via a link 464. The communication infrastructure 462is, in turn, in bi-directional communication with computer 460 via alink 466. Communication interface 452 is illustratively a wirelesstransceiver for communicating with a wireless interface unit of the typeshown and described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2007/0210917 A1 which is hereby expressly incorporated by referenceherein. However, in some embodiments the communication interface 452 isa wired transceiver and the link 464 includes a cable that connects thepatient support 10 to a wall mounted jack that is included as part of anapparatus interface unit or a network interface unit of the type shownand described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,538,659 and 7,319,386 and in U.S.Patent Application Publication Nos. 2009/0217080 A1, 2009/0212925 A1,and 2009/0212926 A1, each of which are hereby expressly incorporated byreference herein.

The communication interface 452 may communicate information from thesensors 446, 446, 450 and from the user interface 44 to the remotecomputer 460. The remote computer 460 may display and/or store theinformation from the sensors 446, 448, 450. Additionally, the remotecomputer 460 may communicate user inputs to the communication interface452 of the patient support apparatus 10 to control the rotation, lift,and brake systems 46, 48, 50 of the patient support apparatus 10. Thus,a user can remotely operate the patient support apparatus 10 during atypical or a robotically assisted surgery such that the user controlsthe position of a patient supported on the patient support 10 during thesurgery.

Additionally, the remote computer 460 may compare received informationfrom the sensors 446, 448, 450 and received information from the userinterface 44 to determine if the rotation, lift, and brake systems 46,48, 50 of the patient support apparatus 10 are operating as expected. Ifone of the systems 46, 48, 50 is not operating as expected, the remotecomputer 460 may communicate with the patient support apparatus 10 toactivate the maintenance indicator light 79 on the panel 61 and/or mayactivate an alert within the remote computer 460 requesting service forthe patient support apparatus 10. The alert may then be communicated toother maintenance systems or personnel within a healthcare facility. Ifthe systems 46, 48, 50 are operating as expected, the remote computer460 may record the information from the sensors 446, 448, 450 and fromthe user interface 44.

In some embodiments, a patient identifier may be associated with thepatient support apparatus 10 in the remote computer 460 when a patientis supported on the patient support apparatus 10. The remote computer460 may also record the user inputs received by the patient supportapparatus 10 from the user input 54 and the information from the sensors446, 448, 450 while the patient is supported on the patient supportapparatus. The remote computer may then associate the patient identifierwith the user inputs received and the information from the sensors 446,448, 450 and store the associated data in the patient's electronicmedical records.

An alternative patient support apparatus 510 is shown in FIGS. 87 and88. The alternative patient support apparatus 510 is substantiallysimilar to patient support apparatus 10 and similar reference numbersindicate similar structure. However, the alternative patient supportapparatus 510 includes a pair of input pedals 512 not present in thepatient support apparatus 10. Additionally, the alternative patientsupport apparatus 510 includes an extension 528 rather than theextension 28 included in patient support apparatus 10.

The pair of input pedals 512 is coupled to the base 31 of the firstcolumn 24 as shown in FIG. 87. The input pedals 512 are included in theuser input 54 of the user interface 44 and are electrically coupled tothe controller 40. The pair of input pedals is configured to brake andunbrake the casters 33, 35 of the brake system 50. The pair of inputpedals include a brake pedal 522, configured to provide an electronicinput directing the brake system 50 to move the braked configuration,and an unbrake pedal 524 configured to provide an electronic inputdirecting the brake system to move the unbraked configuration.

The extension 528 is configured to move between a deployed position,wherein the columns 24, 26 are spaced to support the support top 14, anda storage position, wherein the columns 24, 26 are collapsed togetherreducing the footprint of the foundation frame. The extension 528includes a first member 541 and a second member 542 coupled to the firstmember 541 for pivotable movement about an axis 543. The first member545 is coupled to the first column 24 for pivotable movement about anaxis 540. The second member 542 is coupled to the second column 26 forpivotable movement about an axis 547.

As shown in FIGS. 89-95, the patient support apparatus 10 may include atraction device 700. Traction may be applied to a patient before,during, or after a surgery so that a surgeon or caregiver can arrangethe patient for evaluation and/or particular surgical procedures. In theillustrative embodiment, the traction device 700 is coupled to the firstcolumn 24 and includes a traction attachment 702, a set of selectivelyremovable weights 704, and a cable 706 extending from the tractionattachment to the selectively removable weights 704. In otherembodiments, the traction device 700 may be coupled to the second column26.

The traction attachment 702 is illustratively a head wrap for applyingcervical traction to a patient as shown in FIG. 89. In otherembodiments, the traction attachment 702 may be a crown-type attachmentscrewed directly in to a patient's skull or another type of attachmentdevice for attachment to a patient's head or other body part.

The weights 704 are situated along a side of the first column 24 and areconfigured to be removed or added to the traction device 700 to increaseor decrease traction force applied to a patient as shown in FIG. 89. Inother embodiments, a reel or other force provider may be used to applytraction through the traction attachment 702 to the patient. The cable706 illustratively extends through the first column 24 and transmitstraction force from the weights 704 to the traction attachment 702.

The cable 706 illustratively extends through the passage 132 of rotationsystem 46 and generally along the axis of rotation 22 so that the cable706 is not twisted during rotation of a patient about the pivot axis 22during surgery as shown in FIG. 89. Thus, the cable 706 extends throughthe central opening 130 of the engagement member 122, the centralopening 120 of the collar 113, the central opening 110 of the rotationarm 102, and the hollow shaft 112 of the rotation system 46 as suggestedin FIG. 91.

The cable 706 is guided from the traction attachment 702 to the weights704 by a number of guides ash shown in FIGS. 93 and 95. In theillustrative embodiment, the guides include a horizontal pulley 710, aguide block 712, and a vertical pulley 714. The horizontal pulley 710 iscoupled to the first column 24 and guides the cable 706 from along thepassage 132 toward the side of the column 24 as shown in FIG. 93. Theguide block 712 is coupled to the first column 24 and blocks the cablefrom disengaging the horizontal pulley 710. The vertical pulley 714 iscoupled to the first column 24 and guides the cable 706 from down alongthe side of the column 24 to the weights 704 as shown in FIG. 95.

The foregoing description of various embodiments and principles of thedisclosure have been presented for the purposes of illustration anddescription. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit thedisclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Many alternatives,modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in theart. Moreover, although multiple inventive aspects and principles havebeen presented, these need not be utilized in combination, and variouscombinations of inventive aspects and principles are possible in lightof the various embodiments provided above. Accordingly, the abovedescription is intended to embrace all possible alternatives,modifications, aspects, combinations, principles, and variations thathave been discussed or suggested herein, as well as all others that fallwithin the principles, spirit and broad scope of the various possibleinventions disclosed herein and defined by the claims.

1. A surgical patient support apparatus comprising a foundation frameincluding a rotation driver, a drive shaft, and a drive coupler, and asupport top coupled to the drive shaft of the foundation frame to rotatewith the drive shaft, the support top configured to rotate about a topaxis extending along the length of the support top relative to thefoundation frame, wherein the drive coupler is configured to movebetween an engaged position, coupling the drive shaft to the rotationdriver so that the support top is rotated about the top axis, and adisengaged position, de-coupling the drive shaft from the rotation driveso that the support top is free to be manually rotated about the topaxis.
 2. The surgical patient support apparatus of claim 1, wherein thedrive coupler includes a first engagement member that extends throughthe rotation driver and into the drive shaft when the drive coupler isin the engaged position.
 3. The surgical patient support apparatus ofclaim 2, wherein the first engagement member is withdrawn from the driveshaft when the drive coupler is in the disengaged position.
 4. Thesurgical patient support apparatus of claim 3, wherein the drive couplerincludes a second engagement member that extends through the rotationdriver and into the drive shaft when the drive coupler is in the engagedposition, and the second engagement member is withdrawn from the driveshaft when the drive coupler is in the disengaged position.
 5. Thesurgical patient support apparatus of claim 1, wherein drive couplerincludes an engagement slider, a handle, and a biasing spring.
 6. Thesurgical patient support apparatus of claim 5, wherein the engagementslider slides between a first position and a second position, the firstposition corresponding to the engaged position of the drive coupler andthe second position corresponding to the disengaged position of thedrive coupler.
 7. The surgical patient support apparatus of claim 6,wherein the engagement slider slides along the top axis to move betweenthe first position and the second position.
 8. The surgical patientsupport apparatus of claim 6, wherein the biasing spring biases theengagement slider toward the first position.
 9. The surgical patientsupport apparatus of claim 6, wherein the drive coupler includes a coverplate formed to include a guide track.
 10. The surgical patient supportapparatus of claim 9, wherein the handle is coupled to the engagementslider and extends away from the engagement slider through the guidetrack of the cover plate.